The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a protest in Kavoor condemning the FIR filed against MLA Bharath Shetty for his allegedly provocative remarks about Rahul Gandhi.
The protest saw the participation of several leaders, including Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka, and district MLAs.
R. Ashoka accused the Congress of conspiring to “demoralise BJP MLAs” by misusing the police. He claimed that this was part of Congress’s strategy to intimidate BJP legislators and accused the police of siding with the Congress, calling it “shameful.”
Ashoka further alleged that Congress had “given a Parliament seat to individuals who had threatened to kill Narendra Modi.” He asserted that Congress repeatedly displays its “anti-Hindu policies” and that the BJP’s fight is against the “appeasement of minorities”.
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Referring to past incidents, Ashoka claimed that over thirty BJP workers were killed previously and the people had taught Congress a lesson. He accused Congress of “discriminating against the majority community” immediately after coming to power.
Highlighting the Valmiki scandal, Ashoka alleged that funds meant for Dalits’ homes and electricity were misappropriated.
Describing the state government as “Talibani”, Ashoka said it is in the ICU and predicted that it would not last long. He asserted that BJP would win in Mangaluru regardless of any cases filed against them.
He emphasized that BJP members would not be intimidated by Congress’ threats and boasted that even if a hundred cases were filed, BJP would not be scared. He claimed that if elections were held today, Congress would not even secure their deposits.
Ashoka criticized the government for increasing the prices of diesel, petrol, milk, and stamp paper, questioning the government’s integrity. He accused the Congress of looting Dalit funds due to the lack of government funds and labelled Congress as a party of looters.
He remarked that the BJP did not rely on any family legacy and vowed that those chanting “Jai Pakistan” would not be allowed to set foot in Mangaluru. He assured the people that BJP was with them and urged them not to be afraid.
Following the protest meeting, leaders and activists attempted to march towards the police station but were stopped by the police.
