Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 3: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Congress government in Karnataka of orchestrating false cases against BJP leaders, including MLAs, as part of a political vendetta. BJP spokesperson Raj Gopal Rai alleged that the recent case against MLA Vedavyas Kamath was fabricated with the intention of maligning him.
Addressing a press conference, Rai stated that Congress has a history of creating disturbances at peaceful events and then blaming the BJP. He claimed that during the Brahmakalashotsava at Krishnamandir in Shaktinagar, MLA Kamath was engaged in casual conversations and even distributed prasadam before leaving. However, some Congress workers allegedly created confusion among the crowd and instigated people to target the MLA.
"Congress leaders do not have the credibility to bring even minimal funds for temples, and their goal is to disrupt Hindu religious events," Rai alleged.
Congress worker 'staged' attack, claims BJP
According to BJP, when a Dalit youth accompanying Kamath was allegedly attacked by Congress workers, he attempted to file a complaint. Fearing repercussions under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, a Congress worker allegedly tore his own shirt, got admitted to a hospital, and falsely accused Kamath of assault.
"This is a clear case of political conspiracy. Congress leaders are now trying to pressurize for a compromise, as they know the allegations are baseless," Rai said.
He challenged Congress leaders to provide proof of Kamath ever attacking anyone. "In all these years, there has never been an instance of our MLA assaulting anyone. If they have evidence, let them produce it," he said.
'Congress leaders should swear before deities if they are truthful'
Rai further criticized Congress leaders for holding a press conference where they made contradictory claims. He challenged the complainant to take an oath before deities at Koragajja Sannidhi and Kadri Temple to prove his allegations. "If they have self-respect and truly believe in divine justice, they should come forward for a truth test. Our MLA is ready for it," he asserted.
He also accused Congress of hypocrisy, claiming that while the party claims to follow Dr B R Ambedkar's ideals, its members act against Dalits. "If the MLA’s conversation ended peacefully, why would he attack a Dalit youth afterward?" he questioned.
BJP alleges political conspiracy
BJP leaders linked the incident to a recent bank election in which Congress suffered a humiliating defeat. "Since their loss, they have been plotting to retaliate at the right time. This case is part of their long-planned conspiracy," Rai alleged, recalling that the same individual had staged a similar incident during Kamath's first election in 2018.
"Why has a false case been filed against our MLA? If they can target a sitting legislator, what will be the fate of ordinary citizens? This is evidence of how Congress is misusing the law," he said, adding that the BJP, despite being in power earlier, never engaged in such tactics against opposition leaders.
Demand for probe, action against accused
BJP leaders demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and strict action against those responsible for creating disturbances at a religious event. They also called for the immediate arrest of the person who allegedly assaulted the Dalit youth accompanying Kamath.
BJP leaders Mohan Raj, Arun G Shet, Kishore Kottari, Shakeela Kaw, and Vanitha Prasad were present at the press conference.