Amid bye-election campaigning, BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra visited and consoled parents of those arrested for stone-pelting during the Shivaji Jayanti procession in Killagalli, Bagalkot, Karnataka. Vijayendra also met Ashok Baraker, injured in the incident, at a private hospital, assuring support for his recovery. He criticized the Karnataka government for focusing solely on its vote bank, emphasizing BJP’s commitment to the people.
District president Shantagouda Patil, MLAs Shailendra Beldale, P.H. Poojar, Hanumant Nirani, former MLAs M.D. Lakshminarayana and Arun Shahapur, state party secretary Sharanu Tallikeri, and other leaders were present during Vijayendra’s visit. The stone-pelting incident occurred during the Shivaji Jayanti procession on February 19 near Panka Masjid, resulting in minor injuries to police officers. Eight arrests were made, and prohibitory orders were enforced until February 24 to maintain peace.
The Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, accused the state government of hindering Hindu religious practices, citing various instances of violence during religious processions. He alleged a pattern of attacks on religious gatherings, including the recent stone-pelting incident at the Shivaji procession in Bagalkot. Ashoka criticized the government for what he perceived as anti-Hindu policies and actions.
