BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra accused the Cong govt of negligence over the Maddur violence, questioning police absence as CM Siddaramaiah blamed BJP-RSS for disturbing peace.
Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra has sharply criticised the Congress government after the recent stone-pelting incident during a Ganesh immersion procession in Maddur, Mandya district. Announcing that he, along with senior BJP leaders R. Ashoka, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and C.N. Ashwathnarayan, would visit Maddur, Vijayendra accused the state of soft-pedalling on “anti-national elements.” He alleged that cases had been withdrawn against those involved in previous attacks on a police station.
Vijayendra questioned the absence of senior officers despite advance information about thousands of devotees participating in the procession. “Why were senior police officers not present? Why was access allowed to the mosque? Why was such a situation created?” he asked, blaming the government for its failure to prevent unrest.
Responding to the criticism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the BJP and RSS of “deliberately trying to disturb peace,” citing earlier rallies organised by the party. He noted that 22 people had already been arrested, asserting that law would take its course regardless of religion. The CM also dismissed the BJP’s complaints to the Union Home Minister, saying law and order in Karnataka was under control.
The Maddur incident, which saw violence and police lathi-charge, has become a fresh flashpoint between the Congress government and the opposition BJP. While Vijayendra accuses the state of appeasement and negligence, Siddaramaiah maintains the administration is acting swiftly and impartially to restore peace and prosecute offenders. The political clash underscores rising tensions in Karnataka over communal incidents and public processions.
