Police Arrest, Release 2,000 Protesters as BJP Tried to Hold Mangaluru Chalo Bike Rally

Bengaluru: As many as 2,000 BJP members including party workers and leaders were arrested in various parts of Karnataka state inconnection with Mangaluru Chalo Bike rally being organized by BJP even if the state government has denied the party from holding the rally.

BJP workers have been arrested in Mysuru, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Hubballi and Bengaluru on Tuesday and Wednesday when they tried to hold bike rally to Mangaluru as a rally is scheduled on September 7 in the coastal city.

Lok Sabha MP, State BJP Yuva Morcha president  Pratap Simha, former minister, SA Ramadas, senior BJP leader KS Eshwarappa, MLA CT Ravi, MLA BY Raghavendra and others reportedly arrested and released  by the police in the last two days.

Meanwhile, BJP is expected to hold protest march in Mangaluru city on Thursday even if the police department has denied permission to hold Mangaluru Chalo rally as scheduled.

State BJP unit is expected to hold protests within a few days as the state government managed to stop the party unit from holding Mangaluru Chalo Bike Rally and state party president BS Yeddyurappa is expected to announce next protest programme soon.