Mandya
Former MP Pratap Simha alleged that the state is under “Taliban-style rule” following the withdrawal of cases against the DJ Halli and KJ Halli rioters. Speaking at a protest in Maddur, he accused the Congress government of appeasing certain groups, saying, “They call Muslims peace-loving, but those who pelted stones at the mosque—are they truly peace-loving? People born and raised here but loyal beyond the border are pelting stones.”
Simha demanded strict action, stating stone throwers must be arrested and police who lathi-charged girls suspended. “Hindus act only in self-defense. Despite centuries of aggression, 80 percent of people here remain Hindus. Hindus don’t throw stones, and if they do, they don’t spare anyone,” he said, also calling for the closure of mosque doors where stones were thrown.
He announced support from BJP-JDS leaders, including Nikhil Kumaraswamy, and proposed inviting Hindu leader Yatnal and even Yogi Adityanath if necessary. Criticizing the state Home Minister for downplaying previous riots, Simha claimed, “In Uttar Pradesh, police join Ganesh processions because of Yogi. Here, the Taliban government controls the Home Ministry.” He urged protesters not to blame the police, who assured a peaceful resolution.
