BENGALURU: Accusing the state government of adopting a policy of appeasement of minorities by withdrawing cases against members of KFD and PFI though they were charged with involvement in communal clashes in three cities, leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, K.S. Eshwarappa, on Saturday warned that his party would launch a state-wide agitation along with other like-minded entities in case the government fails to change its stand with regard to members of those two organisations.
He told the media here that the state government was driving a wedge by appeasing members of minority communities. Home minister K.J. George’s justification for withdrawal of cases was not acceptable. The government chose to go ahead despite the fact that the top brass of police force explained to Mr George that these members not only attacked Hindus but also shouted slogans in support on Pakistan.
Police officers in Shivamogga district have video clippings to support their stand. The state government, however, turned a blind eye and indulged in appeasement of minorities for political reasons, he added.
On the move to hold monsoon session of legislature both in Belagavi and Bengaluru, the BJP leader opposed it stating that it would spoil the sanctity of the House. “Where is the need to hold the session in both cities? Let them hold the session either in Belagavi or Bengaluru. It will be an additional burden for the government. Besides, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has failed to ensure that owners of sugar mills pay up arrears to sugarcane farmers. These owners have taken the Chief Minister’s warning of locking up sugar factories for nonpayment of dues with a pinch of salt,” he added.
Mr Eshwarappa claimed that his party won more number of seats than Congress in Gram Panchayat polls in Shivamogga and Gadag districts. He said he was ready to prove this by organising a convention of BJP-sponsored candidates in Gadag district and sought to know whether rural development and panchayat raj minister H.K. Patil would accept this challenge.
