BJP slams Cong over 'Emergency-like' rule in Karnataka
Bengaluru, May 26 (UNI) The Karnataka BJP president Vijayendra Yediyurappa on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led government in Karnataka, accusing it of adopting 'dictatorial' methods reminiscent of the Emergency era to suppress the opposition and curtail press freedom.
In a strongly worded statement, Vijayendra alleged that the Congress party 'has the darkest history of the Emergency in India' and it continues to 'strangle the democratic system' through oppressive tactics. 'The Congress has a notorious legacy of jailing political opponents, stifling the media, and undermining democratic institutions,' Vijayendra said.
Accusing the Congress of misusing state machinery, Vijayendra charged the ruling party with using the Assembly Speaker's office and the police force to harass opposition leaders and silence dissent. 'In the past two years, the Congress has worked to establish an arbitrary regime in Karnataka, unleashing threats against the police system and turning constitutional positions into tools of vendetta,' Vijayendra said.
He further claimed that the state government's recent move to restrict opposition participation in a state-sponsored event under the guise of a 'tool conference' was an attempt to stifle criticism. 'This is the first time a government has issued a notification to exclude the opposition and media from a state event, deploying officials to ensure total control,' Vijayendra said.
Hitting out at the Congress over reports of defamation suits against opposition leaders and journalists, the Vijayendra said, 'If you think you can silence us with the police and legal notices, you are mistaken. This dictatorial mindset, driven by sycophantic advice, is evident in your actions.'
Drawing parallels with the Emergency period, Vijayendra warned that a 'second chapter of Emergency' appears to have begun in Karnataka. 'The power to resist it lies with the democratic forces – the people of Karnataka, the opposition, and the media – and their response will be seen soon,' he said.
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