Bengaluru: Protestors attempt to siege D K Suresh's residence over controversial statement

Bengaluru: BJP Yuva Morcha members attempted to besiege the residence of Congress MP D.K. Suresh on Sunday.

The unrest followed Suresh’s recent statement suggesting that southern states might “contemplate seceding”  if they continue to face challenges in receiving a fair share of funds for development.

Protesters gathered at Gayatri Vihara in the palace grounds, shouting patriotic slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai, Vande Mataram,” expressing their displeasure with MP Suresh’s remarks. The police intervened to prevent further escalation, resulting in verbal sparring and minor clashes between the activists and law enforcement.

As the police tried to close the gates of Gayatri Vihar, protesters moved to the road, attempting to reach the MP’s residence. A brief sit-in ensued, leading to the police detaining the protesters after a mild use of force.

MP D.K. Suresh vehemently denied advocating for the division of the country, accusing the BJP of distorting his statement for political gains. He clarified that his statement addressed the issue of discriminatory fund allocation between states, emphasizing the right to speak and protest in a democracy. He accused the BJP of politicizing the matter and distorting his statements for electoral gains.

The BJP, in turn, criticized the police’s use of force against its Yuva Morcha workers, labeling the Congress government as promoting “goondaism.”

BJP State President B Y Vijayendra condemned the police action, asserting that the fight against statements challenging the country’s sovereignty would persist until an apology is offered. Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka criticized the Congress government for suppressing dissent, urging Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara to take action against the police involved in the baton charge.