'People Will Storm PM's Residence Like Bangladesh': Karnataka Congress MLA's Remark Sparks Row

Bengaluru: Karnataka Congress MLA G.S. Patil, representing the Ron constituency in Gadag district, has ignited a political storm with his recent comments during a protest organised by the Ahinda Union in Gajendragad. Patil’s remarks come amid ongoing controversy over the MUDA scam, which involves allegations against Siddaramaiah.

Patil criticised the Karnataka Governor’s decision to sanction prosecution against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the MUDA case, calling it a "conspiracy" by the BJP. He warned that if such actions continue, it could lead to severe protests in India, potentially escalating to the point where people might storm Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, similar to recent events in Bangladesh.

The MLA said, “If such things continue, the day is not far when people will storm PM's residence, like what happened in Bangladesh.”

"BJP leaders should be alert. Are you (BJP leaders) happy with what your superiors are doing? If a wrong decision is taken regarding the state, your houses will be stormed like what happened in Bangladesh," he said.

Patil, who also serves as the chairman of Karnataka State Minerals Corporation, made his remarks during a protest rally organized by the Ahida Okkuta in Gajendragad. He condemned the Karnataka Governor's decision to permit an investigation against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Accusing BJP and JD(S) leaders of conspiring to destabilize the Congress government by leveling allegations against Siddaramaiah, Patil stated, "Siddaramaiah is working for the welfare of the poor and backward, while he has no black-spot in his entire political career."

He added, "All Congress MLAs are with Siddaramaiah, and we are also thinking about lodging a complaint with the President of India, if needed. The Governor should withdraw the permission given for the prosecution," and noted that the Governor had not allowed prosecution against BJP and JD(S) leaders despite a charge-sheet being ready.

"Several irregularities took place when BJP was in power, and B S Yediyurappa also went to jail. People have not forgotten the incidents that took place in H D Kumaraswamy's family," he said, seeking "strong voice and united struggle" in favour of Siddaramaiah.

"Those who have amassed huge wealth illegally are not facing any problem, but a probe against Siddaramaiah is permitted for a trivial reason," he added.

MLC Ivan D'Souza had previously criticized the governor for allowing prosecution in the MUDA case, comparing the situation to the fate of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This comparison had already caused a stir in state politics.

In response to Patil’s comments, opposition leader R. Ashoka condemned the remarks, arguing that such provocative statements against constitutional officials are inappropriate. Ashoka questioned the Congress party’s tendency to incite unrest, emphasizing that Karnataka's peaceful status should be maintained.

The BJP Youth Wing had earlier filed a complaint against D'Souza for derogatory remarks about the governor, following an incident where stones were thrown at D'Souza's residence.

The MUDA case involves allegations of illegal land acquisition by the development authority, with claims that compensatory plots were allotted to Siddaramaiah’s wife Parvathi. The governor permitted an investigation and prosecution of the chief minister on August 16, leading to political turmoil. Siddaramaiah has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash the governor’s order, with a hearing scheduled for August 29.