JD(S) State President H D Kumaraswamy actively participated in a protest on Monday against the removal of a saffron flag featuring Lord Hanuman’s image from Keragodu village. Blaming the Congress-led state government for mishandling the situation, Kumaraswamy, a key figure in the opposition, accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of playing politics and exacerbating the issue by using police force to suppress public unrest.
Donning a saffron shawl, the former chief minister addressed protestors who marched from Keragodu village to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, demanding the restoration of the saffron flag. The march saw participation from leaders and workers of both the BJP and JD(S), along with activists from Hindu nationalist groups like Bajrang Dal and other organizations. The residents of Keragodu and nearby villages also joined the demonstration.
Kumaraswamy asserted that the Deputy Commissioner should have addressed the situation by engaging in dialogue with the protestors instead of deploying the police. He alleged that the police's actions were responsible for inciting the crowd.
Directing criticism at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy urged him to rectify the government's mistakes, emphasizing the need for administrative competence. Responding to Siddaramaiah's accusations earlier in the day, Kumaraswamy blamed the Congress for engaging in arrogant politics to gain an advantage in the upcoming elections.
The JD(S) leader highlighted instances of police lathi charges on protestors, questioning the necessity of such actions. He criticized the government for removing the saffron flag citing rules and permissions while allowing flex boards featuring ruling party leaders in Mandya city, despite court orders against them.
In a cautionary tone, Kumaraswamy warned that unless the government addressed the concerns of the people who elected it to power, it would face difficulties in public support. The ongoing confrontation over the removal of the 'Hanuma dwaja' has intensified, with political tensions escalating between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP and JD(S).
(With Agency Inputs)
Read also| Nitish Kumar Announces Exit from INDIA Bloc, Citing Unmet Expectations
