Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara declined to provide specific details but emphasized that the decision to withdraw cases related to the Ladle Mashak Dargah violence was made after thorough consideration and discussions by the Cabinet. The state government’s move to drop 52 cases against pro-Kannada and farmers’ organizations was defended by Parameshwara, stating it followed detailed scrutiny and discussions.
The government recommended the withdrawal of cases against Kannada organizations and farmers’ groups to a Cabinet sub-committee, which individually reviewed each case and found legal grounds for withdrawal. Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, criticized the government’s decision, alleging it was driven by appeasement politics and vote-bank considerations.
Narayanaswamy accused the government of misusing its powers by withdrawing criminal cases under investigation, terming it unconstitutional. He highlighted previous law and order issues in the state and criticized the government for what he called “appeasement politics” against pro-Kannada organizations. Narayanaswamy warned of protests and stated that the BJP would oppose the decision if not revoked.
Referring to the Ladle Mashak Dargah issue in Aland town of Kalaburagi district, the controversy stems from a religious dispute and communal tension surrounding the presence of the Raghava Chaitanya Shivling inside the Ladle Mashak Dargah. The incident, which led to violence, involved allegations of desecration of the Shivling, triggering clashes and injuries among individuals and officials present at the site.
