BJP launches ''I'm also a Karsevak, Arrest Me Too'' campaign in Karnataka
Bengaluru, Jan 4: The BJP in Karnataka on Thursday launched a campaign, 'I'm also a Karsevak, Arrest Me Too' as it stepped up its protests in several parts of the State over the recent arrest of a Hindu activist in connection with a 31-year-old case related to the Ram Janmabhoomi agitation.
Leading the campaign in Bengaluru, MLA and former minister V Sunil Kumar staged a sit-in demonstration near the Sadashivanagar police station, amid chants of "Jai Sri Ram" by BJP workers.
Holding a placard with a message 'I'm also a Karsevak, Arrest Me Too', Kumar said he too took part in the Rama temple agitation in 1992, for which he should also be arrested. Later, the police took him into preventive custody.
Senior BJP leaders K S Eshwarappa and C T Ravi lead the protests in the district headquarters town of Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru, respectively.
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Srikanth Poojari , a Karsevak, was arrested by police in the north Karnataka city of Hubballi last week in connection with a case of rioting registered in December, 1992.
The BJP has accused the Congress government of being harsh on Hindus, and also indulging in minority appeasement. The Congress has charged the BJP with politicising the issue.
The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has described Poojari as a "social miscreant" and "criminal suspect" and said he is facing allegations of involvement in 16 anti-social activities, including illegal liquor sales, gambling and matka.
Talking to reporters, Kumar said, "The campaign 'I'm also a Karsevak, Arrest Me Too' has been launched to condemn the "anti-Ram and anti-Hindu policies" of the Congress government.
He said that thousands of people from Karnataka participated in the 1990 and 1992 "Kar Seva" in Ayodhya despite the threats of the government of that time.
He alleged that the ruling Congress in Karnataka has resorted to a strategy of intimidating Karsevaks, and Ram devotees.
Denouncing the Siddaramaiah government over the arrest, Kumar said the Hindu activist is being portrayed as a criminal but the Mangaluru cooker bomb accused is called as innocent.
He alleged that the "Congress leaders are writing letters to the government to set free the accused persons of KJ Halli and DJ Halli riot cases".
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Operation Sindoor reflected India's firm response against terror: PM Modi
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that Operation Sindoor reflected India's firm response against terrorism and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the national security.
On the first anniversary of the military offensive against military and terror Infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, the prime minister said a year later, India remains as steadfast as ever in its resolve to defeat terrorism and destroy its enabling ecosystem.
Modi said a year ago, Indian armed forces displayed unparalleled courage, precision and resolve during the Operation Sindoor.
He said the forces gave a fitting response to those who dared to attack innocent Indians at Pahalgam and the entire nation salutes the Indian forces for their valour.
"Operation Sindoor reflected India's firm response against terrorism and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding national security. It also highlighted the professionalism, preparedness and coordinated strength of our armed forces," he said in a post on X.
At the same time, Modi said, it showcased the growing jointness among India security forces and underlined the strength that India's quest for self-reliance in the defence sector has brought to the country's national security.
Operation Sindoor was carried out by the three defence forces along with the BSF along the western border, targeting terrorist and military facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir from May 7-10, 2025.
This operation was carried out in retaliation to the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.
