BJP Leaders Detained During Vidhana Soudha Siege Protest Seeking B Nagendra's Resignation
Bengaluru: Police detained several BJP leaders and workers near Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha as the party intensified its protest demanding the resignation of Minister B Nagendra, with demonstrators attempting to lay siege to entrances of the state government complex.
BJP leaders and workers gathered at different gates around Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha as part of the continuing agitation over Nagendra. Police had deployed additional personnel and tightened security at key entrances, including the Kengal Gate, High Court Gate and Vikasa Soudha Gate.
At the Vikasa Soudha entrance, protesters attempted to move inside the premises, leading to arguments between BJP workers and police personnel. Police subsequently detained several leaders and workers and took them away in vehicles. Some of those detained were taken to High Grounds police station.
Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka was among the BJP leaders detained during the protest. State BJP president B Y Vijayendra and other party leaders were also present as the agitation continued around the government complex.
Speaking during the protest, Vijayendra accused the Congress government of protecting a minister whom the BJP has targeted over alleged diversion of funds meant for Dalits. He said the BJP’s agitation was not merely a party protest but was being conducted over funds intended for the welfare and development of Dalits.
The BJP said its protest would continue until the money it alleges was diverted was recovered. Party leaders also criticised the police action against protesters, describing the detentions as improper and accusing the government of attempting to suppress the agitation.
The protest and heightened security deployment also affected traffic around Vidhana Soudha. Vehicles were reported to have slowed or come to a halt near some entrances as police managed the demonstration and detained protesters.
The agitation is part of the BJP’s continuing demand for Nagendra’s resignation, which has also led to protests and disruptions in the Karnataka legislature in recent days.
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