Cong. leaders take on Yediyurappa and sons, criticise EC for ‘deleting names’
Top Congress leaders, led by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president B.K. Hariprasad, launched a sharp political offensive against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at a public meeting in Shikaripur, Shivamogga district, on Wednesday, coinciding with the launch of the Bharat Jodo 2.0 yatra. The speakers singled out former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and his son, BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra, and accused the Election Commission of deleting eligible voters from electoral rolls.
Shikaripur rally marks start of Bharat Jodo 2.0
The Congress meeting in Shikaripur, a political stronghold associated with the Yediyurappa family, served as a platform for the party to sharpen its attack on the BJP as Bharat Jodo 2.0 commenced in the region. KPCC chief B.K. Hariprasad, accompanied by several Ministers and legislators, addressed a large gathering and framed the event as a response to what he described as the BJP’s divisive politics and alleged manipulation of democratic institutions.
Hariprasad targets Yediyurappa and Vijayendra
Accusing the BJP of fermenting communal discord in Karnataka, Mr. Hariprasad contended that the people had given “a fitting reply” in the constituency associated with BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra. He said Shivamogga district, known historically for producing stalwarts in politics and literature, had seen its image change as the BJP consolidated its base there.
He further alleged that leaders from Shikaripur had “damaged the State’s dignity” by executing “Operation Lotus,” a term used by the Congress to describe alleged efforts to induce defections and topple governments. Referring to Mr. Vijayendra’s comments on corruption during the padayatra, Mr. Hariprasad launched a personal broadside, saying that “the people who sent their father to jail after taking bribe were lecturing on corruption.” He also alleged that BJP leaders in the district were focused on acquiring properties and constructing colleges.
Allegations of mass voter deletions
Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah alleged that the BJP was removing eligible voters through the “SIR” being conducted by the Election Commission. He claimed that 13.3 crore names had been deleted across the country, including more than 1 crore names in Karnataka alone. “Among those names deleted include minorities, Dalits and women. It is because the Congress is the only hope for the downtrodden people of the State,” he asserted.
Madhu Bangarappa: ‘No moral right to comment on government’
Minister for School Education Madhu Bangarappa alleged that BJP leaders from Shikaripur had been “known for corruption” and said they had no moral authority to criticise the State Government. He accused the BJP of attempting to rule by dividing people, urging residents of Shikaripur not to allow such politics to prevail.
Mr. Bangarappa also raised a local administrative issue, stating that “bagair-hukum” cultivators had not received land allotments due to the absence of committee meetings. He appealed for the process to be restarted so that pending cases could be addressed.
Leaders in attendance
Several senior Congress leaders and office-bearers were present at the event, including Minister for Sugar and Textiles Rudrappa Lamani; Minister for Muzrai, Fisheries and Ports K.S. Basavanthappa; legislators Manjunath Bhandari, B.K. Sangameshwara, Balkhees Banu, Belur Gopal Krishna, and D.G. Shanthana Gowda; former Minister Vinay Kumar Strake; AICC secretary Gopinath Palaniyappan; and the District Congress Committee president.
Conclusion
The Shikaripur meeting, held at the outset of Bharat Jodo 2.0, showcased the Congress’s sharpened critique of the BJP leadership in Shivamogga district and beyond. By alleging large-scale voter deletions, condemning “Operation Lotus,” and invoking local governance issues, Congress leaders urged voters to reject what they described as divisive and corrupt practices and to rally behind their party’s platform.
