Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje seeks NIA probe into pro-Pak slogan case
Bengaluru (PTI): Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje has sought a centrally monitored investigation by the NIA into the alleged raising of pro-Pakistan slogans by supporters of a Rajya Sabha election winner from the Congress in the corridors of 'Vidhana Soudha' here.
Terming the incident as a "security breach of seditious nature", the senior BJP leader said it is imperative to uncover the identities of the perpetrators and any potential instigators behind this reprehensible act.
"Also, the local law enforcement agencies may face undue pressure or influence", she said urging the Ministry of Home Affairs to initiate an NIA probe.
ALSO READ: KSRTC Bus Rams Into Home Compound in Chamarajanagar; Passenger Injured
Supporters of Syed Naseer Hussain allegedly shouted "Pakistan zindabad" slogans after his election victory at Vidhana Soudha, which houses the legislature and state secretariat, on Tuesday.
In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, she said there was an infiltration of certain individuals, purportedly supporters of Hussain, who brazenly raised pro-Pakistan slogans.
"This reprehensible act, captured on video and disseminated widely by the media, tarnishes the sanctity of Vidhana Soudha -- a bastion where our Constitution should be venerated and safeguarded," the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said.
Stating that the circumstances surrounding this "egregious breach" remain shrouded in ambiguity, the Minister wondered how these individuals managed to infiltrate into Vidhana Soudha in substantial numbers without undergoing requisite security screening by the police and said it raises questions about the efficacy of the state police intelligence apparatus.
"Such lapses are indicative of systemic failures and potential collusion with nefarious elements jeopardising the safety and security of our governmental institutions," Karandlaje said.
The Lok Sabha member from Karnataka said it has come to her attention that individuals associated with the banned organisation, Popular Front of India (PFI) have purportedly infiltrated various opposition political parties, 'notably the Congress party'.
"There is growing apprehension that these elements may have been involved in the incident that unfolded within Vidhana Soudha. The infiltration of PFI members into opposition political parties raises serious questions about their motives and allegiances," the Minister said.
Karandlaje underscored the need to thoroughly investigate any potential links between these individuals and the security breach at Vidhana Soudha.
"This incident not only undermines the sanctity of Vidhana Soudha but also poses a significant security risk to our secretariat, which houses vital departments of the Karnataka Government," the Minister pointed out.
The prospect of these miscreants gaining access to sensitive areas within Vidhana Soudha, including assembly and record rooms, underscores the urgent need for a thorough investigation, she said.
"Moreover, the chanting of pro-Pakistan slogans raises concerns about the underlying motives and allegiances of these infiltrators," Karandlaje noted.
The Karnataka government said on Wednesday the police had registered a case, and strict action would be taken if the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report proves that pro-Pakistan slogans were indeed chanted.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
BJP dreaming to win polls with money power: West Bengal BJP MLA after bypoll loss
Kolkata, Nov 23: As the ruling Trinamool Congress swept the by-elections in six assembly seats in West Bengal, Kurseong's party MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma attacked the state leadership, saying the party dreams of winning polls with money power and that it sidelines legislators and gives "unnecessary importance and responsibilities" to MPs.
The TMC retained five of the six seats it had previously won during the 2021 polls, while wresting the key Madarihat seat from the saffron camp in north Bengal’s Alipurduar district.
In a Facebook post, Sharma alleged, "The BJP runs a membership drive in West Bengal over the phone from a Kolkata office, while party leaders turn a blind eye to factionalism within the party. The party sidelines MLAs and gives unnecessary importance and responsibilities to MPs. It dreams of winning elections relying on money power. Despite having no shortage of political issues in the state, it centers its politics solely around religion."
"The BJP accuses opponents of corruption while carrying Adani and Ambani on its shoulders. It tries to undermine the rights of the indigenous population by luring Bangladeshi Hindus with promises of CAA. It halts MGNREGA funds and indulges in such tactics, hoping to win elections in the state," he alleged.
On the other hand, the BJP MLA lauded TMC saying, that the ruling party in the state, armed with 26 different "pro-poor schemes" such as Kanyashree Prakalpa, Gitanjali Housing Scheme, Krishak Bandhu Scheme, Nijo Griha Nijo Bhumi, Rupashree Prakalpa, Shishu Sathi Scheme, and Student Credit Card, quietly works at the grassroots level.
"Now, you decide who will win the elections. I have never seen a culture of self-criticism within the BJP; otherwise, this outcome wouldn't have occurred," he added.
Since the 2021 assembly elections, the TMC has won every by-election, except the Sagardighi bypoll in March 2023, which was won by a Congress candidate who later switched to the TMC.
With this victory, TMC's tally in the 294-member state assembly rose to 216, further consolidating its position. The BJP's tally, on the other hand, dropped to 69, from 77 in 2021.
