R Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, criticized the Siddaramaiah government for the recent arrest of a kar sevak (volunteer) in Hubballi. He expressed concern that in the current state of affairs in Karnataka, individuals could be sent to jail merely for chanting ‘Jai Sri Ram’. The arrested kar sevak, Srikanth Poojari, faces allegations of involvement in violence following the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.
During a BJP protest march in Hubballi against the arrest, Ashoka mentioned that if one utters ‘Jai Sri Ram’ in Karnataka, they risk imprisonment. He asserted that the BJP is not intimidated since the Modi government is in power at the Centre. Ashoka also accused the Congress of opposing the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Pointing to the arrest, he hinted at its potential political motivations by citing the large number of pending cases in the state.
Ashoka questioned the timing of Poojari’s arrest during a court vacation and described him as a very poor auto driver. He called for the suspension of police officers responsible for the arrest and criticized the BJP for defending a criminal suspect. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged BJP leaders to refrain from playing divisive politics in the name of God and religion. He emphasized the need for a responsible opposition and cautioned against labeling criminals based on caste and religion. Siddaramaiah appealed to BJP leaders to assess the charges against the suspect before defending him, highlighting the importance of making informed decisions rather than defending individuals solely based on religious affiliation.
