Bengaluru, July 22 — Karnataka BJP President and MLA, B.Y. Vijayendra, on Wednesday accused Congress workers of attacking BJP leaders and claiming that law and order in the state had completely collapsed.
The BJP leader further alleged that Congress workers were engaging in "goondaism" both in Karnataka and in New Delhi, in a reference to recent protests by the party outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's house in the national Capital over the NEET paper leaks and police action against student protestors on Monday during their 'Sansad Chalo' march.
In a statement against the protest in Karnataka, Vijayendra alleged that Congress workers had hurled eggs at BJP leaders and physically assaulted them, calling the incident "unpardonable."
"The Congress government's sins are catching up with it. This shameless government continues its goonda culture. Congress workers attacking our party leaders reflects the attitude of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar himself," he alleged.
Vijayendra said the state had witnessed a complete breakdown of law and order during the present government's tenure and questioned the silence of Home Minister Priyank Kharge.
"They speak about the Constitution and democracy at every opportunity. But where is the Home Minister now? If elected representatives themselves are not safe, how can ordinary citizens expect protection?" he asked.
He claimed that people in Karnataka were living in fear under the present government and alleged that attacks on public officials, political leaders and elected representatives indicated the growth of a "goonda culture" in the state.
"Government and law and order are dead in Karnataka. Under the guise of party workers, rowdies are being used to attack our leaders," Vijayendra alleged, challenging Congress leaders to show the courage to act against those responsible for the assault.
He also accused ministers of selectively filing FIRs against farmers and common citizens while failing to take action against their own workers.
"Ministers who are quick to file FIRs against innocent farmers and ordinary people should first register cases against their workers and initiate action against them," he said.
Warning the ruling party that political fortunes do not remain unchanged forever, Vijayendra said the government should remember that "the wheel of time does not remain the same."
He demanded that the police immediately register cases against the Congress workers allegedly involved in the attack and take strict action against them.