BENGALURU
BJP MLC N. Ravikumar on Monday demanded that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and the Congress high command clearly explain the party’s position on Hinduism.
His remarks came after Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy reportedly described Islam as superior. Ravikumar questioned what place Hinduism holds within the Congress and asked whether the party considers Hinduism less important. He also urged Congress leaders to respond directly to Rayareddy’s remarks.
Ravikumar said Hinduism has a long history and has contributed important ideas to society. He questioned Rayareddy’s comments about the religion and asked Congress leaders whether they considered Hinduism inferior or respected its traditions. He also referred to Congress leaders’ earlier comments on Sanatan Dharma and Lord Ram, alleging that the party had repeatedly made statements that hurt Hindu sentiments. He demanded that Shivakumar and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge clarify the party’s position.
The BJP leader also criticised the Youth Congress protest near the BJP office in Bengaluru on Sunday. He claimed that Congress workers had surrounded the BJP office and alleged that similar incidents had occurred several times. Ravikumar questioned why the police had failed to prevent protesters from reaching the office. He sought details of FIRs registered against Congress workers over such incidents and demanded stronger action against those violating the law.
Ravikumar said the BJP had repeatedly complained to the police and Commissioner about security concerns. He warned that if adequate protection was not provided to the BJP office, BJP workers would protest outside the Police Commissioner’s office. He said political parties have the right to protest under democracy and the Constitution, but insisted that demonstrations should be conducted within legal limits and without disrupting the functioning of another party’s office.
He described his statement as a final warning and urged the police department to act against any future violations. The BJP leader said his party would not remain silent if similar incidents continued. His remarks have added another political dispute between the ruling Congress and opposition BJP in Karnataka, with both sides facing pressure to keep protests within democratic and legal boundaries.
