BJP slams Congress over withdrawal of Aland violence cases

Stepping up their attacks on the Congress-led State government over the withdrawal of cases linked to the Aland violence in 2022, BJP leaders accused the government of compromising the rule of law for what they described as “appeasement policies” and warned that all withdrawn cases would be revived if the BJP returns to power.

BJP State unit president BY Vijayendra, along with BJP leaders and party workers, took out a protest march from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Chowk to the Deputy Commissioner’s office before holding a public rally near the Social Welfare Department office in Kalaburagi city on Monday (June 1).

Mr. Vijayendra alleged that the Siddaramaiah-led government prioritized vote bank considerations over justice by withdrawing cases arising from the violence that broke out during the Raghav Chaitanya Shivlinga Pooja at the Ladle Mashaq Dargah premises in Aland town in March 2022.

Mr. Vijayendra claimed that the Congress government preferred appeasement over justice, asserting that the BJP was not against any community but the party’s objection was against those involved in illegal and anti-national activities. He also asserted that devotees will continue to perform religious rituals in Aland town without fear.

Former Union Minister Bhagwant Khuba called the withdrawal of cases a “betrayal of justice”. Recalling the events of March 1, 2022, he claimed that violence broke out despite prior permission for the religious event and the presence of senior police and district officials. “Instead of ensuring accountability, the government chose to withdraw the cases. This raises serious questions about its intentions,” he said.

Former MP Umesh Jadhav accused the Congress government of misusing the legal system and alleged that innocent youths were being punished in fake cases while those responsible for disturbing public order were protected. “The Congress speaks about the Constitution, but its actions are contrary to the principles it claims to uphold,” he said, alleging deterioration of law and order in the district.

BJP leader Raju Gowda has urged the party leadership to extend support to Hindu activists facing legal cases. “Hindu activists need protection and reassurance. Leadership must give them hope that they will not be abandoned,” he stated.

Former legislator Rajkumar Patil Telkur alleged that there was a partisan approach in withdrawing the cases and said that if the BJP comes to power in 2028, it will review the decision and try to reopen all such cases. “Those responsible for the violence cannot escape accountability forever,” he said.

BJP leaders warned that the party will continue its agitation against the State government for withdrawal of the cases.