K’taka Opposition leader R. Ashok demands CM to clarify allegations of Congress vote manipulation and questioned Banu Mushtaq invite for Dasara inauguration
Bengaluru
Karnataka Opposition leader R. Ashok on Friday criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress party over alleged vote rigging and the invitation of Banu Mushtaq for the Dasara inauguration. Addressing the media, Ashok urged Siddaramaiah to publicly address his prior claims of Congress tampering with votes in past elections.
Ashok accused Congress of turning state festivals, including Dasara, into a political tool for vote-bank politics, saying, “The fight being conducted by Congress is false. Allegations against BJP are baseless; it has come to light that vote rigging is a culture within Congress.” He cited former minister C.M. Ibrahim’s admission of buying votes in Badami as proof of malpractice.
Criticizing the Dasara inauguration, Ashok questioned Banu Mushtak’s role in performing Hindu rituals, saying, “Muslims do not perform idol worship. Dasara is a festival of Hindus, not a cultural program.” He demanded clarifications from Minister Zameer Ahmed regarding religious traditions and emphasized BJP’s plan to defend the Chamundeshwari temple.
On governance, Ashok questioned Congress’ handling of parliamentary inaugurations and the Dharmasthala case, criticizing the formation of SITs for investigation, suggesting it reflected poor judgment.
He further attacked Siddaramaiah’s record, alleging anti-Hindu tendencies and linking Congress’ leadership to communal tensions, while highlighting BJP’s efforts to appoint a tribal president and safeguard religious and cultural practices.
This statement underscores rising political tensions in Karnataka ahead of upcoming elections, with opposition leaders highlighting alleged mismanagement and cultural insensitivity by the ruling party.
