R. Ashoka and BJP leaders submit a memorandum to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner. Photograph supplied.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Assembly Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka has demanded that police register an FIR against D.K. Shivakumar and ministers who participated in the dharna outside the election officials’ office, arguing that restrictions on protests must apply equally to those in power and ordinary citizens.
Ashoka and other BJP leaders met the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and submitted a memorandum seeking action against Congress leaders over the protest.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ashoka alleged that the dharna had taken place at a location where protests were prohibited under a High Court order.
“The Chief Justice’s residence is also there. If those responsible for upholding the law violate it, how can others be told that they must protest only at Freedom Park?” he asked.
Why Book Only Those Standing Along the Road?
Ashoka said police had informed him that an FIR had already been registered in connection with the protest. However, he argued that action against only those standing along the road was inadequate and that the role of Shivakumar and the ministers who participated should also be examined.
“Police said a case had been registered against those along the road in accordance with the court order. But the ministers also participated in the dharna. Had ordinary citizens done the same, police would not have let them go,” he said.
Ashoka said the Police Commissioner had assured him that legal action would be taken in the matter.
Referring to Priyank Kharge’s participation, he said those holding office were not exempt from the law. He described the Congress leaders’ conduct as “goonda culture” and demanded action for what he alleged was a violation of constitutional principles and the court’s order.
Drought and Farmers’ Problems Should Have Taken Priority
Ashoka alleged that a Cabinet meeting should have addressed drought, drinking-water problems and farmers’ difficulties, but Congress leaders had instead turned to the protest at the election officials’ office.
He accused Congress leaders of staging the protest to protect the votes of people from Bangladesh and Pakistan. He also alleged that the agitation had been organised at Rahul Gandhi’s direction.
“Instead of responding to people’s problems, they held a dharna outside the election officials’ office. They must explain under which law this protest was permitted,” he said.
Election Commission Must Decide on Form 7 Applications
Ashoka argued that the submission of Form 7 applications should not itself be portrayed as an irregularity. The Election Commission, he said, had the authority to examine the applications and decide on their validity.
“Form 7 is available online. Anyone can submit it. Once an application is submitted, the Election Commission takes a decision. If it is a false application, the Commission acts against it. If Congress leaders object to the Commission’s decision, they can approach the court; they should not put pressure on election officials,” he said.
He also demanded that the Election Commission disclose how many Form 7 applications had been submitted.
Ashoka Objects to Congress Criticism of Investigative Bodies
Ashoka accused Congress leaders of repeatedly questioning institutions including the Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation.
He alleged that Congress leaders had also questioned the Special Investigation Team constituted by the High Court to investigate KPSC irregularities. Criticising Rahul Gandhi for what he described as attacks on constitutional institutions, Ashoka said Congress was attempting to portray protests led by others as its own.
Ashoka said the BJP delegation had submitted its memorandum peacefully on Gandhi Jayanti. He reiterated his demand for action, in accordance with the law, against Congress leaders who participated in the dharna.
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