Karnataka BJP Defies Prohibitory Orders, Vows to Proceed with Mysuru Police Station Attack Protest

Mysuru- Karnataka authorities have imposed prohibitory orders in Mysuru as the city braces for a protest convention denouncing a recent attack on the Udayagiri police station. The attack, which occurred following an inflammatory social media post, has led to 17 arrests, including an Islamic religious teacher accused of delivering an inciting speech.

The Karnataka BJP, led by State President B.Y. Vijayendra, has taken a firm stance against the prohibitory orders, vowing to proceed with the planned demonstration organized by the Rashtra Suraksha Janandolana Samiti. The protest has garnered support from various Hindu organizations, with thousands expected to participate.

Vijayendra sharply criticized the state government's timing of the prohibitory orders, arguing that such measures should have been implemented during the initial attack rather than against the protest. "If the government had the capability, it should have imposed prohibitory orders on the day the police station was attacked. Instead, they clamp down when Hindu workers protest," he stated during a media briefing in Bengaluru.

The incident that sparked the current tensions began when a Mysuru resident, Satish aka Panduranga, posted controversial content on social media targeting opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Arvind Kejriwal, along with inflammatory communal statements. The post's viral spread led to protests outside the Udayagiri Police Station by members of the minority community on February 11.

Despite attempts by police and religious leaders to maintain peace, the situation deteriorated into violence, with protesters pelting stones at the police station and attacking a DCP's vehicle. Law enforcement ultimately resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas to control the situation.

Former BJP Minister N. Mahesh has questioned the pace of the investigation, noting that while an FIR was filed against 1,000 individuals, only 17 arrests have been made so far. The BJP leadership has expressed concerns about police safety in the state, with Vijayendra pointing to what he describes as increasing threats to law enforcement officers within police stations.

Drawing historical parallels, Vijayendra compared the current situation to pre-independence times, stating that "the Congress-led government in Karnataka reminds people of the Nizam's rule before Independence," referring to historical atrocities against Hindus by Razakars.

The BJP has announced its intention to continue with the protest despite legal restrictions, with Vijayendra currently in Mysuru coordinating with party leaders and Hindu activists on their next steps. The party aims to both warn the government and raise public awareness about their concerns.