Hariprasad Criticizes BJP, Defends State Harmony and Economic Policies
Senior Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad has defended the decision to name the Shivajinagar Metro station after St. Mary’s Basilica, asserting that there is nothing inappropriate in doing so. Speaking on Friday, he emphasized that the church in Shivajinagar is as old as Chhatrapati Shivaji himself, and the naming should not be seen as disrespectful. Taking a swipe at Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Hariprasad claimed, “No one has insulted Shivaji as much as Fadnavis. He should focus on Maharashtra instead of interfering here.”
The Congress leader further criticized the BJP for allegedly engaging in religion-based politics. He remarked that the coastal region of Karnataka had been turned into a “laboratory of Hindutva,” but credited the current state government with restoring peace by appointing strict officers. “Today, no one is delivering provocative speeches, and people are living peacefully,” he said.
Hariprasad alleged that BJP leaders were now attempting to disrupt harmony in the Mysuru region, accusing them of mobilizing people with money and false promises. “If they truly believe in religion, they should encourage their own children to fight, not push others’ children into conflict,” he said.
On provocative speeches, Hariprasad assured that the government would initiate legal action against offenders. Responding to BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal’s claim that Nepal’s situation was affecting Karnataka, he retorted, “Nepal’s issues are for the Centre, not the state. By that logic, even Pakistan or the Maldives could affect us. Yatnal speaks like an astrologer.” He also criticized the Union government’s economic policies, arguing that GST has failed to benefit the common man.
