Ramanagar: JD(s) Youth Wing’s state president Nikhil Kumaraswamy was on Thursday detained by the cops while he was leading a protest of JD(s) workers against the toll-gate on Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway here.

The police detained the protesters as a precautionary measure ahead of Project Director Sridhar’s visit to the spot.

MLA A Manjunath was also detained by the cops along with Nikhil Kumaraswamy.

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New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge has criticised the BJP government, alleging discrimination against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and accusing them of disrespecting President Draupadi Murmu and former President Ram Nath Kovind regarding SC/ST issues.

Kharge mentioned that Murmu was not invited to the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the inauguration of the new Parliament House. He also claimed that Kovind was not allowed to lay the foundation stone of the new Parliament House.

Speaking at the 'Idea Exchange' program organised by Indian Express, Kharge responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's accusation that Congress stayed away from laying the foundation stone of the Ram Mandir due to political pressure.

Kharge questioned, "My people are still not allowed to enter many temples. Will it be tolerated if I go to Ayodhya then?"

Regarding PM Modi's statement about NDA getting 400 seats, Kharge said, "People are yearning for change. So, the dream of the third time will not be fulfilled." He warned against the BJP forming the government again, stating, "They are already talking about changing the constitution."

Responding to whether Congress should have participated in the inauguration of Ram Mandir, Kharge said, "That is a personal belief. Anyone can go there whenever they want. Modi is not a priest. Why should he take the lead in installing the Rama idol? They did it only for political purposes."

He questioned the timing, stating, "One third of the temple is not yet completed. Is it a political act or a religious act? Why are you mixing religion with politics?"

Kharge highlighted issues faced by SCs, such as restrictions in temples, water sources, educational institutions, and instances of discrimination. He asked, "If I had gone to Ram Mandir, would they (Modi-BJP) have tolerated it?"