Bengaluru, August 24: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated on Sunday that the BJP is free to continue its protests demanding the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra. However, he emphasized that any movement must remain within the law.
In response to the BJP’s decision to persist with its protests and surround the Vidhana Soudha on Monday, Shivakumar assured that the government would not interfere with any legitimate demonstrations.
He remarked, “They can do whatever they want. This is the law of the land. I do not wish to trouble them. They can act legally.”
Nevertheless, Shivakumar accused the BJP of resorting to ‘hooliganism’ by disrupting the assembly instead of following established procedures. He questioned, “What they are doing today is nothing but hooliganism. If they are breaking the law and obstructing the assembly instead of serving notices or following procedures, what does that mean?”
The Chief Minister acknowledged that it is not wrong for people to come together, raise questions, or protest. However, he stressed that political parties should adhere to the prescribed processes. “It is not wrong for people to unite, ask questions, or protest. But at the very least, they should give notice and discuss it,” he added.
Shivakumar also challenged the BJP’s demand for Nagendra’s resignation, suggesting that the opposition lacks the patience to hear the government’s response. “I keep asking why he should resign. They do not even have the patience to listen to my explanation. Therefore, they lack the strength to face the Congress party in the assembly,” he stated.
He further challenged the BJP to provide details of criminal cases against ministers, MPs, central ministers, and chief ministers across the country, questioning why resignations are not being demanded from those facing charges. “You should also disclose how many ministers and chief ministers have cases against them and why you are not demanding their resignations,” he said.
Shivakumar accused the BJP of targeting Nagendra due to his connections with the Scheduled Tribe community, claiming they are specifically targeting Dalit leaders, Scheduled Tribe ministers, and tribal ministers.
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