BJP leaders, on October 14, met with Governor Thawarchand Gehlot at Raj Bhavan to submit a petition against the state congress government. Speaking to reporters afterwards, R Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, alleged that the Congress government’s decision to withdraw criminal cases was a ploy to conceal vote bank politics and scams. Ashoka claimed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made this move to demonstrate his support for Muslims amidst political instability.
Ashoka emphasised that the government has swept under the rug cases involving sedition and attacks on police, which shouldn’t be compared to farmers’ and Kannada movements. He argued this decision was made to strengthen Muslim vote banks while ignoring requests to drop cases against farmers.
Before the submission of the petition, the BJP organised a rally against the Karnataka state government’s decision to withdraw cases related to the Hubli riots. The decision has sparked a political storm, with the BJP launching a sharp attack on the ruling Congress party. Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka led the protest and accused the state government of bowing to “terrorist” influences and appeasing a particular community.
Addressing the gathering, R. Ashoka criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress government for withdrawing 43 cases linked to the Hubli riots. He accused the government of following the instructions of extremists and claimed the decision was an attempt to repay a “debt” to the Muslim community.
Ashoka further highlighted past controversies surrounding Siddaramaiah, including the MUDA scam and the Valmiki Corporation scandal, asserting that these incidents had tarnished his reputation. He also accused AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge of involvement in similar controversies, alleging that the withdrawal of cases was part of a broader effort to appease certain voter bases.
Ashoka questioned why cases involving Hindus had not been withdrawn, highlighting what he termed as the selective application of justice. He said, “Did they withdraw the cases against Hindus? The case of those who assaulted and set fire to police vehicles has been withdrawn.” He also criticised the Congress for not taking action against their own, pointing to BJP MLA Muniratna’s imprisonment and contrasting it with the treatment of Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni, who has faced serious allegations of rape.
Ashoka further escalated his rhetoric, referring to Congress leaders as “brothers” of extremists. He claimed that the government, led by Siddaramaiah, was effectively being governed by the principles of Tipu Sultan, whom he alleged was being revered over local historical icons. “If Mysore Airport wasn’t named after Chamundeshwari, it would have been named after Tipu. This is the Tughlaq rule,” Ashoka remarked, expressing dissatisfaction over Congress’ decisions.
Ashoka asserted that CM Siddaramaiah’s recent acts of public worship were mere spectacles meant to appeal to voters. “Now Siddaramaiah himself has gone and planted saffron. He did not perform worship at birth, now he is doing it. It’s time for them to go,” he said, hinting at the upcoming political showdown.
The protest at Freedom Park saw participation from several key BJP leaders, including MP Govinda Karajola, MLAs Ashwath Narayana and SR Vishwanath, and MLCs Chalawadi Narayana Swamy and N. Ravikumar. The leaders lambasted the Congress for allegedly resorting to appeasement politics. Ashwath Narayan claimed, “Congress, which is indulging in appeasement politics, is not respecting the law. Terrorists are their brothers.” MP Govinda Karajola accused the CM of shielding extremist elements, further intensifying the attack.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also criticised the Congress’ decision, responding to CM Siddaramaiah’s earlier comments by questioning whether those who engaged in violence during the Hubli riots could be considered “patriots.” Joshi echoed the BJP’s claims, alleging that the Congress was trying to appease extremists by withdrawing cases without proper consideration.
Meanwhile, Home Minister G. Parameshwar defended the government’s decision, clarifying that the cases were not withdrawn arbitrarily. He said to the media, “If false cases are filed, the government has the right to review and withdraw them. We will withdraw 43 cases in the Hubli riots case, but this includes not just minorities but also students and farmers. We will follow the legal process and act according to the rules.”
The Home Minister explained that the government would form a cabinet sub-committee to review requests for the withdrawal of cases, gather necessary information, and make decisions based on recommendations from the sub-committee.
The controversy stems from the April 2022 Hubli riots, during which protesters clashed with police, registering 56 cases. The recent decision to withdraw 43 of these cases, many involving members of the minority community, was seen by the BJP as a political move to curry favour with a particular voter base. BJP claims that such selective withdrawals undermine justice and are a blatant attempt at appeasement.
The issue has taken centre stage, potentially impacting upcoming elections. BJP leaders are expected to continue highlighting the alleged discrepancies in the Congress’ approach, framing it as a sign of weakness on matters of law and order. Meanwhile, Congress stood firm, asserting that the decision was made to ensure justice and was based on careful legal examination.
The Hubli riot case is set to be a critical issue, reflecting the broader political debate on law enforcement, communal harmony, and governance in Karnataka. As the BJP plans to escalate their protests, the state government faces increasing pressure to justify its decisions and maintain its stance on legal protocols.
