Bengaluru, July 21 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka on Tuesday strongly condemned the alleged attack on Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) officials during a footpath encroachment clearance drive in Shivajinagar, calling it an indication of the deteriorating law and order situation in Karnataka.
BJP leader Ashoka’s remarks come amid heightened political sparring over the alleged assault on civic authorities during the encroachment clearance drive in Shivajinagar, where police have already arrested several persons and launched an investigation into the incident.
In a statement, Ashoka described the assault on a government officials performing duties as “highly condemnable” and questioned the silence of the state government over the incident.
“The murderous attack on a GBA official carrying out a footpath encroachment clearance drive in Shivajinagar is highly condemnable. Such an attack on a government officer discharging his duties is living proof of how badly law and order has deteriorated in the state,” Ashoka claimed.
Taking a swipe at Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, the BJP leader questioned why the minister had not spoken out against the incident.
“Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who makes reels in front of cameras during encroachment drives in other parts of Bengaluru, why are you silent now? Isn’t it your responsibility to stand behind officials when they are attacked? Or is your vote-bank politics more important than the rule of law?” he asked.
Ashoka also targeted Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, questioning the government’s response to the incident.
“Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, why is your government silent even after a murderous attack on officials carrying out their lawful duties? Is political calculation more important to you than enforcing the law? Doesn’t the government’s silence in such cases amount to indirectly protecting the perpetrators?” he said.
The Leader of the Opposition further questioned whether the state government lacked the courage to carry out encroachment removal drives in Shivajinagar.
“Does the government not have the courage to remove encroachments in Shivajinagar? Or do the laws of the land not apply to certain areas? Is there a system of two different laws in the state?” Ashoka asked.
Demanding immediate action, the BJP leader urged the government to arrest all those responsible and ensure the safety of officials performing public duties.
“The accused must be arrested immediately and stringent legal action must be initiated. The safety of officials carrying out their duties must be ensured. Prove through action, and not merely words, that everyone is equal before the law,” he added.
–IANS
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