Fresh Political Storm in Karnataka Over Withdrawal of Aland Violence Cases

Bijapur City MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal on Friday criticised the government for deciding to withdraw 13 cases related to the 2022 violence in Aland. He accused the Cabinet of attempting to portray the accused as “innocent” and alleged misuse of power to pardon those involved in rioting, communal violence, vandalism and attacks on officials. “Hindus will never forgive this decision taken to appease minorities. Withdrawal of 13 cases linked to the incident amounted to an illegal exercise of power,” Yatnal said in his post, alleging the Congress was strengthening its vote bank.

He argued the Cabinet should have focused on developmental issues instead of decisions aimed at political appeasement. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra said the Congress government had “crossed all limits of appeasement.”

“This is shameful. Congress government’s despicable vote‑bank politics and shameless display of extreme minority appeasement have now made the state a witness. Without even the barest sense of responsibility, throwing ethics and honour to the winds, this Tughlaq Congress government has crossed all boundaries of civility,” Vijayendra wrote on X.

He questioned the message being sent to society by releasing “serious anti‑social miscreants who disrupted peace,” and asked whether the government retained “even the slightest respect for Hindu dharma, the pain inflicted on the Hindu psyche, or the bare minimum regard for law and order.” He noted the withdrawal report was endorsed by Speaker U.T. Khader, calling it “a betrayal of democracy.”

On its official X handle, the BJP described the decision as “disgusting,” charging that the government was shielding criminals for clumsy vote‑bank politics. “Karnataka government hits a new low by withdrawing cases against those who desecrated the Holy Shivling. Even DC, SP had come under attack from these dreaded rioters,” the post stated.