Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 5: The controversy surrounding the suicide of a BJP worker in Bengaluru has sparked heated political exchanges, with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the tragic event for political gain.
Speaking to the media at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, CM Siddaramaiah remarked on the BJP's protest demanding that the names of two Congress MLAs be included in the FIR related to the suicide.
He stated, “The BJP is indulging in politics over the death of its party worker. The police have registered an FIR and are investigating the case. I won’t speak much about the case. Once the investigation is complete, action will be taken against those found guilty.”
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also weighed in on the matter, calling the BJP’s actions a “major political conspiracy.” He criticised the BJP’s approach, which he claimed was not focused on justice, but on stoking political tensions.
Home Minister G Parameshwara responded to the BJP’s demands by stating, “The law is equal for all, including Congress MLAs A S Ponnanna and Manthar Gowda. The police department will take action in accordance with legal provisions. They are already gathering details. The incident occurred in February.”
Parameshwara further assured that the investigation was ongoing and that all facts were being thoroughly considered. He mentioned that the deceased had left behind a long WhatsApp note, which would be examined as part of the investigation. “Suitable action will be taken based on the findings. The decision on whether to hand over the case to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will be taken later. As of now, there is no such necessity,” he added.
The incident involves Vinay Somaiah, a BJP worker from Madikeri district, who was found dead at his office in Bengaluru on Friday. In a note left behind, Somaiah alleged harassment by Congress leaders and named MLAs A S Ponnanna, Manthar Gowda, and Congress leader Thennira Maheena as responsible for his decision. However, the Hennur police have only named Thennira Maheena in the FIR.
Reacting to the situation, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M B Patil, said, “The BJP has reacted similarly in two or three earlier cases. They had also targeted minister K J George in the deputy SP suicide case without reason, and he was later given a clean chit. This is their track record.” Patil’s comments drew attention to past incidents where the BJP had made similar allegations without evidence.
Minister for Power K J George also commented on the BJP’s protest, saying, “What is the big protest the BJP is planning now? In the Dy SP Ganapathy suicide case, they made allegations against me, but the CID, the CBI, and the Supreme Court all rejected those charges.”
George expressed sympathy for the BJP worker’s family but criticised the party for politicising the issue. “We are saddened by the BJP worker’s death and stand with his family. But the BJP is politicising this issue just like they did in the Dy SP Ganapathy suicide case, the MUDA case, and the suicide of IAS officer D.K. Ravi,” he said.
George also emphasised that the filing of an FIR and the naming of accused persons is at the discretion of the police, reiterating that the investigation should be left to the authorities.
The investigation into Somaiah’s death continues, with police working to verify the claims made in the suicide note. The controversy highlights the ongoing political tensions between the ruling Congress party and the opposition BJP in Karnataka, with both sides accusing each other of using the incident for political advantage.