Basavaraj Bommai’s statement comes after a message from the central BJP leadership. (file)
Bangalore:
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday claimed that there is no communal tension in Karnataka and provocative statements by “certain fringe groups” are not a major issue, amid escalating religious strife in the state ahead of elections next year.
“There is no communal tension. Some fringe groups making provocative statements are not a big issue. We are following a clear rule. Our duty is to take care of law and order and maintain peace,” he said.
Bommai said, “If any organization tries to take law and order in their hands, we will immediately take strict action against them. Some people are behind them and are provoking them. I asked the police officers to keep a watch on them.” Said it.”
He said, “Yesterday our DG (police chief) had spoken to all the district officials and gave clear instructions to take care of the law and order situation, take care of the safety of the people. We will not compromise in maintaining law and order. will do.”
BJP-ruled Karnataka, which is home to IT hub Bengaluru, has been increasingly in the news for rising right-wing religious bigotry that the opposition has targeted Muslims for everything they wear, eat and where they do business.
There have also been attacks on Christian groups in the state over allegations of forced conversion – allegations that are not supported by the data, despite questions raised by the opposition and activists.
The chief minister’s remarks on law and order came after reports that the BJP’s central leadership has influenced Mr Bommai to ensure that the party does not plug governance loopholes ahead of the elections due in May 2023.
Top BJP leaders Amit Shah and JP Nadda told Bommai that issues like halal meat and hijab may win some votes, but the government should focus on budgetary proposals and implementation of infrastructure projects. Indian Express,
Mr Bommai’s assurance also follows concerns raised by Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who became the first prominent industrialist to appeal to the chief minister to address the issue in the interest of the state’s IT and bio-technology sectors.
On Monday, former BJP chief minister BS Yediyurappa also appealed to end the flare-up of communal issues in the state, saying Hindus and Muslims should live their lives as “children of a mother”.