Karnataka CM accuses BJP of fuelling unrest over Vande Mataram row
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday lashed out at the BJP over its proposed agitation on the Vande Mataram issue, accusing the opposition party of attempting to provoke people and create unrest in the state.
Speaking to reporters after paying tributes to Sir M. Visvesvaraya at K.R. Circle, Shivakumar alleged that the BJP was finding fault with everything for political reasons and had little concern for Karnataka’s welfare.
“Even if you cut open the chest of BJP leaders, there is no element that shows concern for the welfare of the state. They have only a political mindset. They cannot be corrected,” Shivakumar said.
Reacting to the BJP’s call for a protest over the Vande Mataram issue, he defended the police officer whose purported remarks had triggered the controversy. “What mistake has the police officer committed? He only issued a warning so that no untoward incident should take place. For that, the BJP has brought the issue to the streets,” he said.
Shivakumar questioned why Opposition leaders, including the Leader of the Opposition, had gone to the extent of involving themselves in what he described as an issue at the panchayat level. “The Leader of the Opposition is a constitutional post. I expect a higher level of conduct from him,” he said.
Referring to BJP leaders posting on social media over the issue, Shivakumar questioned who should be responsible for ensuring that laws are followed in society. He alleged that BJP leaders were attempting to provoke people and urged them to stop such activities.
“India is earning respect through Karnataka. If an untoward incident takes place here, it will cause damage to India. BJP leaders here are indulging in politics that could affect the Prime Minister’s vision for the country,” he said.
Shivakumar said the BJP was free to engage in politics and hold protests but should not create unrest or bring a bad name to the state. “Do politics and hold protests, but I appeal to you not to create unrest and bring a bad name to the state,” he said.
Addressing concerns over declining rainfall and a possible drought situation, Shivakumar urged legislators not to panic and cautioned against politicising the issue. He said the government was preparing a comprehensive report ahead of a potential assessment by the Central government.
“When the Central government comes for an assessment, our report should not be wrong. Surveys have been completed in some areas, while reports from the remaining regions are being prepared,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that while the Meteorological Department had forecast rainfall over the coming week, precipitation in several parts of the state had remained inadequate. He also expressed concern over the growing power shortage and said the government was making preparations to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply.
Shivakumar further said a special session of the legislature had been convened to discuss the drought situation and that additional measures would be announced after consultations with farmers.