BENGALURU: Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje sharply criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday, attributing the Nagamangala clashes to his “Hitler governance” and “appeasement policy.” In a press conference, she stated, “Incidents like these in Karnataka stem from your favoritism towards a particular community.
You have allowed actions against Hindus to go unpunished and have withdrawn cases against the PFI, releasing those considered traitors, which has resulted in this situation in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah’s dictatorial rule and appeasement tactics are causing unrest, including threats of FIRs and imprisonment directed at our workers.”
FIRs were filed against Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje and Karnataka Leader of Opposition and BJP leader R Ashoka on Wednesday for allegedly spreading misinformation regarding the conflicts in Nagamangala. Commenting on the Mandya clashes, Karandlaje accused the Karnataka government of favoring one community, leading to such occurrences. “File as many cases against us as you want. Your partners have also filed a case against me in Chennai asking for an apology, but I’ve made it clear we will contest this—I will not apologize for my statements,” said the Union Minister.
Karandlaje further criticized the government for actions like chanting “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans in the legislative assembly, highlighting the hypocrisy of celebrating Constitution Day while undermining it through such behavior. She pointed out instances where Palestine flags were displayed in Karnataka and mentioned an incident where Urdu words were used to replace the Ashok Chakra in the Indian flag in Bengaluru’s Nandini layout. “What wrong is there in questioning these actions? The FIRs against me and R Ashoka appear to be attempts to please minorities while undermining democracy. On one hand, you celebrate Constitution Day, and on the other, you violate it,” she expressed.
Taking aim at the state government, she questioned why CM Siddaramaiah did not visit the site of the Nagamangala clash or address the increasing incidents of “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans. She noted, “Your home minister has made trivial remarks about the Nagamangala incident. Such slogans have been raised in Chitradurga, Mysuru, Belagavi, and during various events, including Eid Milad celebrations in Mysore. The CM and Home Minister’s absence from Nagamangala suggests a lack of respect for Hindus and Hindu deities.”
Earlier in the day, Home Minister G Parameshwara responded to the FIRs against BJP leaders, emphasizing that the law would take action if they overstep their bounds. “Shobha Karandlaje is a Union Minister and R Ashoka is the Leader of the Opposition. If they cross the line, the law will naturally come into play,” he stated, defending the decision to file the FIRs. Parameshwara further rejected the BJP’s accusations of politicizing the issue, asserting that actions will be taken when warranted.
