In a startling turn of events, Karnataka minister and Congress leader KN Rajanna stirred up controversy on Saturday with his remarks suggesting a drastic course of action against those purportedly expressing support for Pakistan. Rajanna's comments came in response to allegations of 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans being raised in the Karnataka Assembly by purported supporters of Congress leader Syed Naseer Hussain following his triumph in the Rajya Sabha elections.
Expressing his stance, Rajanna asserted, "What has happened? The Congress's image is fine. In fact, it has improved. If anyone has shouted slogans or supported Pakistan, let the person be shot dead. There is no fault in that."
In addition to his remarks concerning the alleged pro-Pakistan slogans, Rajanna voiced support for the controversial bulldozer actions in Uttar Pradesh, citing them as effective measures by the government to restore law and order in the populous state.
"In Uttar Pradesh, houses are demolished. There is no law for it, but isn't the law and order in control? We won't oppose that," he remarked.
The incident in question unfolded on February 27, when three individuals were arrested for allegedly chanting 'Pakistan zindabad' slogans in the corridors of the Vidhana Soudha following the announcement of the Rajya Sabha election results. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah promptly ordered an investigation by the government-run Forensic Science Laboratory to ascertain the veracity of the accusations.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seized upon the opportunity to criticize the Congress, labeling the incident as a "betrayal" to Kannadigas and the nation as a whole. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia condemned the episode, asserting that it constituted an insult to the people of Karnataka and the broader Indian populace.
Furthermore, the BJP demanded the inclusion of Congress leader Syed Naseer Hussain in the FIR registered in connection with the case, alleging that the police had omitted his name. B Y Vijayendra, BJP State President and MLA underscored the party's stance, emphasizing that Hussain should be named as the fourth accused in the case involving the chanting of 'Pakistan zindabad' slogans, and suggested that Hussain's oath-taking ceremony as a member of the Rajya Sabha be delayed until the investigation is concluded.
