Karnataka

Sources said that Shah stated that the party leaders should consider seriously the anguish and backlash of the BJP workers following the murders of Hindu activist. He also gave them directions to come up with brave decisions to assuage the workers' anger and prepare them to work for the party as elections are fast approaching, sources added.

State Party President Nalin Kumar Kateel and cabinet ministers Govind M. Karajol, Dr C. N. Ashwathnarayan and others welcomed Amit Shah at 1.20 a.m. at HAL Airport in Bengaluru. Sources in the party stated that Amit Shah has come to Karnataka to give a strong message in the backdrop of backlash the party is facing following the murder of BJP Yuva Morcha activist Praveen Kumar Nettare.

Rahul Gandhi, who reached Karnataka on Tuesday night, reached Murugha Mutt in Chitradurga and sought the blessings of Dr Shivamurthy Muruga Sharanaru. He also met another prominent Lingayat seer of Moorusavura Mutt and 20 seers belonging to different backward communities.

Opposition Congress is facing internal strife whereas the ruling BJP is encountering the wrath of its own party workers and Hindu activists. Realising that the challenges are grave and can prove disastrous for the respective political parties in the upcoming state elections scheduled less than eight months away, the party top leadership is trying to pacify and devise strategies.

Alleging partial treatment by the ruling BJP government, prominent Muslim organisations have boycotted the peace meeting organised by the police department in Dakshina Kannada district. Three murders, two of Muslim youth and one of BJP activist in the last 10 days have shaken the state and raised concerns.

Police have banned Muthalik's entry to Dakshina Kannada as his visit might lead to disturbance in the region. Muthalik has been launching scathing attacks on the ruling BJP following the murder of Praveen Kumar Nettare.

The state has witnessed three murders in the last nine days. Former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said on Friday that the series of murders in coastal region have dented the image of the state. He said, "The ruling party is carrying out murder politics over the deaths of youths."

Karnataka Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Law and Order Alok Kumar and Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police (SP) Rishikesh Bhagavan Sonavane confirmed the arrest of the two and said that their connection with organisations is being investigated.

Bommai had taken over as Chief Minister in July 28, 2021, after B.S. Yeddyurappa had stepped down on July 26, 2021. The celebrations planned for Thursday included functions at the Vidhana Soudha, and the Janotsava at Doddaballapura. "I said I will address a press conference instead of celebrations," Bommai said on early Thursday morning at his residence.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Karnataka is facing the anger of its own cadre over the killing of Nettaru. According to sources, anger among cadres ahead of next year's assembly polls, protests by BJP youth wing workers and leaders are turning out to be a concern for the party leadership, as the BJP is trying to retain power for another term.