BJP worker earlier arrested for alleged comments against Congress MLA dies by suicide
Bengaluru: A BJP worker, who was earlier arrested on charges of making comments against Congress MLA A S Ponnanna, has allegedly died by suicide on Friday stating that he is unable to bear the humiliation, police said.
Vinay Somaiah, who is in his mid thirties and a native of Kodagu district, died by hanging at an office here, they said.
In the purported death note recovered by the police, he has stated that nearly two months ago, he was arrested by the Madikeri police on the complaint of a Congress worker Tennera Maina in connection with certain comments that were posted against Virajpet Congress MLA Ponnanna, who is Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's legal advisor, in a WhatsApp group. Vinay was said to be the admin of the WhatsApp group.
He was subsequently released on bail.
In the death note, the BJP worker alleged that the FIR filed against him was "politically motivated" and that he and his family had to face "humiliation" which upset him.
Seeking justice, he urged that action should be taken against those named in the death note.
Police said a postmortem is underway and investigation will follow.
BJP held a protest in Madikeri demanding justice for Somaiah.
Home Minister G Parameshwara speaking to reporters here said, police will examine and investigate the case.
"Concerned DCP will investigate and based on the investigation report action will be taken. Whatever may be the reason, if any such involvement of anyone as alleged is found, it will be examined. Facts will come out during the investigation, once FIR is registered investigation will follow. Based on the outcome, whoever it is, action will be taken," he said.
Speaking to reporters in Shikaripura state BJP President B Y Vijayendra urged the Home Minister to consider the Somaiah's suicide case seriously and verify about involvement of MLA or anyone else influential in the case, and take necessary action.
Demanding justice for Somaiah's death, he warned BJP will hold strong protests if the government fails to ensure a fair probe and doesn't take immediate strict action.
"Somaiah has died by suicide alleging harassment by MLA and Congress workers in the death note, it is unfortunate and painful. I don't know since the Congress government came to power there is a kind of continuous oppression on BJP workers in the state. Unnecessarily FIRs are being registered on the party workers and they are being harassed," Vijayendra alleged.
It is said that Somaiah died by suicide because of such pressure and harassment, and he is said to have mentioned about it in the death note, the BJP chief stated and added "I urge the Home Minister to consider this case on humanitarian grounds instead of like a case linked to BJP worker. This is an example of how citizens and BJP workers are suffering under this Congress administration."
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
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Gujarat tribal leader Mahesh Vasava quits BJP, cites betrayal of constitutional values
New Delhi: Prominent tribal leader and former MLA Mahesh Vasava resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on April 14, citing deep concerns that the country is no longer being governed in accordance with the Constitution. His resignation came on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, a symbolic move underscoring his disapproval of the current political climate.
Vasava, the son of veteran tribal politician Chhotu Vasava and former MLA from the Dediyapada constituency in Gujarat, had joined the BJP in March 2024 ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. He submitted his resignation to Gujarat BJP president C.R. Paatil.
Speaking to the media, Vasava said, “On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar, I have to say that the country is not being run according to the Constitution. Adivasis, Dalits, OBCs, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and other poor classes will unite and fight the ideology of the RSS and the BJP.”
Vasava also expressed dissatisfaction with his treatment within the party following the election results. “After the results were announced, BJP leaders did not invite me to any meetings or public programs. They deliberately isolated me,” he said, adding that he would now dedicate his efforts to the Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP), founded by his father. “A political earthquake is coming, and Bharuch will be its epicenter,” he warned.
Reacting to the development, Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said Vasava’s resignation on Ambedkar Jayanti was a clear indication of the BJP’s alleged anti-Adivasi stance and disregard for constitutional values. “This resignation has once again exposed the anti-Constitutional approach of the BJP,” Doshi stated.
Vasava’s departure adds to the political churn in Gujarat, especially among tribal and marginalized communities, and may signal a shift in tribal political alignment ahead of future state and national elections.
