Vote theft claim: It’s Congress vs BJP protests in Bengaluru on August 5 | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: BJP in Karnataka will stage a counter-protest on Aug 5 against what it calls the Congress’ “anti-constitutional” accusations against the Election Commission, the opposition party’s state president BY Vijayendra announced Saturday.The protest will take place at the Gandhi statue near Vidhana Soudha, coinciding with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled rally at Freedom Park over alleged “vote theft” in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. “All our MPs, MLAs, MLCs, former MPs and legislators will join this protest. We aim to expose Congress’ misleading stand before the people,” Vijayendra said. He accused the state govt of clearing trees and demolishing a compound wall at Freedom Park in anticipation of Rahul’s visit. “They must apologise to the people of Karnataka,” he added.BJP’s request to protest at Freedom Park was denied by police due to law and order concerns, as Congress had already secured permission.Vijayendra criticised Rahul for alleging misuse of the Election Commission and calling the last year’s polls rigged. “They have lost faith in democracy. They are blaming EC, but how did they win in Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana?” he said.“Rahul Gandhi is a misguided leader with no direction,” Vijayendra alleged. “If they have an atom bomb of evidence, they can’t keep it in their pockets. Let them submit it to the EC or challenge it in the Supreme Court.”He also targeted chief minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar: “If they don’t trust their own officers who conducted elections, do they have any control over their own administration?”Responding to Rahul’s claim of “100% proof” of poll fraud, he challenged Congress to go to court. “Rather than creating drama in Bengaluru, they should approach the judiciary,” he added.“Rahul Gandhi’s actions are dangerous and anti-democratic. He is unable to accept Modi’s leadership,” Vijayendra said. “This is a deceptive drama born out of frustration and defeat.”
