Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah kickstarted a political controversy after he compared the BJP, RSS and Bajrang Dal to terrorists and extremists.
Siddaramaiah was speaking to reporters at a helipad in Chamarajnagar on Wednesday when he made the statement. “"They are themselves like terrorists in a way. BJP, RSS and Bajrang Dal also have terrorists within," he said as per The New Indian Express making an unprecedented attack on his political rivals.
He made the comment in response to a question on the action taken against Popular Front of India (PFI) for the alleged murder of Hindu activist Rudresh in 2016.
Siddaramaiah added that those who indulge in violence will not be spared. “Whether it is the Popular Front of India (PFI), Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), Bajarang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad or any other organisation... if they indulge in disturbing harmony and brotherhood in the society, and spread communalism, they will not be tolerated," he said.
The CM’s statements evoked a strong reaction from the BJP.
The fascist CM of Karnataka must realize that BJP is the world's largest democratic political party, with the country's Prime Minister coming from its fold. It would do well if @siddaramaiah can speak in a manner that befits the dignity of the office of the Chief Minister. https://t.co/OqBICaR4hJ
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) January 10, 2018
The Bajrang Dal also took strong exception to his words. “They call us communal, goondas, criminals when we are doing the nation’s work but we cannot accept the Chief Minister calling the Bajrang Dal terrorists with his own mouth. What if someone had called the Chief Minister a terrorist? We would have opposed it,” said Sharan Pumpwell, convenor of Bajrang Dal for South Karnataka.
“He is doing this to appease the Muslim vote bank and to strengthen relations with the Popular Front of India before the next elections,” he added.
Siddaramaiah's statements came hours after BJP National President Amit Shah said that he was following a 'anti-Hindu' policy.
Meanwhile senior Congress leader Dinesh Gundo Rao backed up Siddaramaiah’s statements and called for a ban on RSS, Bajrang Dal and PFI for causing trouble in the state. “Why don’t they talk about death of Dhanyashreee? Wasn’t she a Hindu? They are asking for a ban on PFI and SDPI. I feel even BJP, RSS and Bajrang Dal should be banned”, he was quoted as saying.
Dhanyashree, a degree college student living in Chikkamagaluru committed suicide after a group of men harassed her for posting a picture that appeared to show her like a burkha-wearing Muslim. A BJP Yuva Morcha worker has been arrested on charges of abetting suicide.