Politics · India Bureau
Karnataka Police detain BJP leaders staging Vidhana Soudha protest
Police in Bengaluru arrested multiple BJP leaders and activists as they attempted to lay siege to the state legislature demanding the resignation of a minister accused of embezzling welfare funds. The opposition party has intensified pressure on the Congress-led government over the financial impropriety case.
LSN India ·
Karnataka police on Tuesday detained several BJP leaders and members who were attempting to march on Vidhana Soudha, the state's legislative assembly in Bengaluru, in a show of strength against the ruling Congress government. The arrested protesters were demanding the immediate resignation of Minister B. Nagendra, who has been chargesheeted in connection with the misappropriation of funds earmarked for the welfare of Scheduled Tribe communities.
The BJP has made the minister's continuation in office a focal point of its criticism of the Congress administration, alleging administrative negligence and a lack of political will to address the financial irregularities. Party leaders have called the case a reflection of deeper governance failures within the state cabinet.
Police increased security measures around the legislative complex and intercepted the BJP contingent before it could reach the premises. Authorities cited breach of peace concerns and preventive detention laws in taking the leaders into custody. The exact number of those detained and the duration of their custody were not immediately specified.
The development marks an escalation in political tensions in Karnataka, with the opposition party stepping up street protests to mount pressure on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's government. The Congress has so far resisted calls for Nagendra's ouster, though the minister has stepped back from his portfolio pending investigation completion.