“I Am a Karsevak, Arrest Me Too’: K'taka BJP Continues Agitation Against Srikanth Poojary's Arrest

BENGALURU: Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka was on Friday taken into custody by the Cubbon Park Police, soon after he started protesting in front of the police station, against the arrest of Karsevak Srikanth Poojary last week, in connection with a 31 year-old-case relating to the Ram Janmabhoomi agitation. Poojary was arrested by the Hubbali Police in connection with a case of rioting registered in December 1992.

Meanwhile, Republic has learnt that former minister and BJP MLA Suresh Kumar Karkala also sat in front of the Malleswaram police station today, to register his protest, again.

Noteworthily, parts of Karnataka have been witnessing unrest after the state BJP on Thursday launched a state-wide campaign: ‘I am a Karsevak, arrest me too’ as it stepped up its protests over the recent arrest of activist Srikanth Poojary. 

Following the launch of the campaign, several members of the BJP, along with other activists, have been detained as they took to the streets of Hubballi, Bengaluru and other regions, to hold rallies while carrying flags and chanting slogans, consequently disrupting the normal life.

Noteworthily, Sunil Karkala and CT Ravi had protested on Thursday as well, in Bengaluru and Chikkamagaluru, and today's sit-down by the state BJP leaders and activists – in front of various police stations – marks the continuation of their campaign against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led government in Karnataka.

The BJP has accused the Congress government of “being harsh on Hindus”, and also indulging in “minority appeasement”. The Congress, on the other hand, has charged the BJP with “politicizing” the issue.

Earlier this week, Siddaramaiah described Poojary as a "social miscreant" and "criminal suspect", and stated that he is “facing allegations of involvement in 16 anti-social activities, including illegal liquor sales and gambling.”