BJP slams Congress government over arrest of Puneeth Kerehalli, alleges selective crackdown and appeasement politics
Bengaluru: The BJP has launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government, accusing it of adopting a “repressive and discriminatory” approach by shielding criminals while cracking down on social activists.
The party strongly condemned the arrest of Hindu activist Puneeth Kerehalli, calling it a glaring example of the state government’s alleged authoritarian mindset.
Reacting to Kerehalli’s arrest, BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra said the Congress government appears to be following an “unwritten rule” of providing protection to hardened offenders while suppressing individuals who raise issues of public and national concern.
He described the arrest as “highly condemnable” and claimed it exposed the Congress government’s dictatorial tendencies. Vijayendra argued that Puneeth Kerehalli was merely creating awareness about the issue of illegal immigration, which he said poses a serious challenge to national security.
“Instead of acting against illegal immigrants, the Congress government has chosen to arrest a social activist who is highlighting the problem. This clearly reflects the government’s politics of appeasement and vote-bank considerations,” he alleged.
The BJP leader further accused the state government of misusing the police machinery to intimidate and silence those who stand up for societal safety and public order. He claimed that individuals and groups working for the protection of society and raising concerns in the interest of the nation are being targeted, while the government turns a blind eye to real threats.
“This is nothing but an anti-democratic practice that goes against the spirit of the Constitution,” Vijayendra said.
Drawing a contrast, Vijayendra pointed to another recent incident involving a Congress leader, Rajeev Gowda, who allegedly abused a woman government officer using obscene language and issued death threats.
He claimed that despite the seriousness of the allegations, the accused Congress leader remains absconding and the police have failed to trace him. “This selective enforcement of law raises serious questions about the government’s intent and credibility,” he remarked.
He alleged that the Congress government is offering “royal treatment” to offenders linked to the ruling party, while unleashing harsh action against those who act in the interest of society. Such double standards, he said, undermine public trust in governance and the rule of law.
Warning the government, Vijayendra said that if the Congress leadership does not abandon its partisan approach and ensure that the law is applied equally to all, it could lead to widespread public protests.
“People will not remain silent if constitutional rights are trampled and democracy is weakened. The responsibility lies with the government to course-correct before it is too late,” he cautioned.
Also Read: Prime Minister flags off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, redefining overnight rail travel
