Karnataka BJP and Congress leaders engaged in a war of words regarding police actions during the ‘Parliament Chalo’ protest in New Delhi. The BJP accused the protest of being a pre-planned conspiracy to destabilize the country, while the Congress condemned the police’s use of force as an assault on democratic voices. The clash arose from conflicting narratives on the incident and its political implications.
The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President, B.K. Hariprasad, criticized the Centre for suppressing democratic dissent and using excessive force against students demanding accountability from the Union Education Minister. Hariprasad condemned the police action on peaceful protesters and hunger strikers, emphasizing the government’s authoritarian response to students seeking justice.
Hariprasad argued that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and questioned the government’s use of force against students expressing concerns about their future. He drew parallels with India’s freedom movement, accusing the BJP of adopting colonial-era suppression tactics. Hariprasad demanded medical treatment for injured students, the release of detainees, and the resignation of the Union Education Minister on moral grounds.
Karnataka BJP President, B.Y. Vijayendra, defended the government’s handling of the student march, asserting respect for the right to peaceful protest while opposing attempts to disrupt Parliament or public order. Vijayendra alleged the involvement of “toolkit gangs” and opposition parties in the agitation, claiming anti-national elements were exploiting the protests. He praised the Delhi Police for their professional handling of the situation and accused the protesters of being part of a pre-planned and sponsored protest.
