Bengaluru: Karnataka Leader of Opposition R Ashoka has strongly condemned an alleged incident of communal intimidation reported from Bidar district and accused the Congress government of failing to curb the activities of “fanatic elements” in the state. The senior BJP leader demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and urged the state government to take immediate action against those responsible.
The controversy erupted after allegations surfaced from Govinda Tanda village in Chitguppa taluk of Bidar district, where a group of persons allegedly threatened local Hindu residents and attempted to force women to wear burkhas. According to claims made by BJP leaders, the accused allegedly brandished swords and created fear among villagers, triggering tension in the area.
Reacting sharply to the development, in a post in X Ashoka alleged that the “appeasement politics” of the ruling Congress government had emboldened extremist and communal elements in Karnataka.
ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಮುಸ್ಲಿಂ ಮತಾಂಧರ ಅಟ್ಟಹಾಸ ! ತಲವಾರು ತೋರಿಸಿ ಬುರ್ಖಾ ಧರಿಸುವಂತೆ ಒತ್ತಡ…
ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಪಕ್ಷದ ಒಲೈಕೆ ರಾಜಕೀಯದ ಪರಿಣಾಮ ಮತಾಂಧರ ಉಪಟಳ ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದು, ತಲವಾರು ತೋರಿಸಿ ಮುಸ್ಲಿಂ ಮತಕ್ಕೆ ಮತಾಂತರಗೊಳ್ಳುವಂತೆ ಬೆದರಿಕೆ ಹಾಕಿದ ಘಟನೆ ಬೀದರ್ ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದ ಚಿಟಗುಪ್ಪ ತಾಲ್ಲೂಕಿನ ಗೋವಿಂದ ತಾಂಡಾದಲ್ಲಿ… pic.twitter.com/0kb7MeMnXS
— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) May 14, 2026
“Outrage by Muslim fanatics is increasing in the state. Such incidents are happening because the Congress government is encouraging appeasement politics instead of taking strict action against radical forces that threaten social harmony,” Ashoka alleged.
He further stated that the alleged incident in Bidar was serious and should not be treated lightly by the authorities. “Threatening innocent people with weapons and allegedly attempting to impose religious practices through fear and intimidation is completely unacceptable in a democratic society,” he said.
Ashoka urged the Karnataka government and the police department to immediately arrest those involved and ensure that stringent legal action is initiated.
“The government must act without delay. Those responsible should be arrested and put behind bars. The police must conduct a fair and transparent investigation and ensure that law and order is maintained in the region,” he added.
The BJP leader also accused the Congress government of remaining silent whenever incidents involving radical groups surface. According to him, failure to take timely action could further disturb communal harmony in sensitive areas.
“The government should stand with law-abiding citizens and not with those trying to create fear in society. Any attempt to disturb peace in the name of religion must be crushed firmly,” Ashoka said.
Sources said local police have begun collecting information related to the alleged incident. Statements from residents and community members are expected to be recorded as part of the inquiry. However, officials have not yet released an official version confirming all allegations made by political leaders.
Police sources indicated that authorities are verifying the authenticity of claims circulating on social media and are assessing whether there was any organised attempt to provoke communal tension in the area.
Meanwhile, the issue has sparked political reactions across Karnataka. BJP leaders have intensified criticism against the ruling Congress government, alleging deterioration in law and order and accusing the administration of failing to act against communal intimidation.
Congress leaders, on the other hand, are expected to seek a detailed factual report from the district administration before reacting to the allegations. Party insiders said the government would rely on the police investigation and verified evidence before making any official statement on the controversy.
The alleged incident has once again brought communal tensions and law-and-order concerns into sharp focus in Karnataka, particularly in sensitive border districts such as Bidar. Political observers believe the controversy could further intensify confrontation between the BJP and Congress in the coming days.
Police officials have appealed to citizens to maintain peace and avoid spreading unverified or provocative content on social media platforms. Authorities said strict action would also be taken against those attempting to inflame communal sentiments through rumours or misinformation.
Further investigation into the incident is currently underway.
