Siddaramaiah justifies activist’s arrest in Babri demolition case, BJP calls it ‘witch hunt’

financialexpress.com:

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed the opposition’s allegation of hate politics in connection with the arrest of a man linked to the riots that took place after the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992.

The police in Karnataka on Monday arrested a 50-year-old man for his alleged involvement in the riots in Hubballi post the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992. The accused, Poojari, was 20 years old at the time.

Speaking on the arrest, CM Siddaramaiah asked, “What should be done to the wrongdoers? Should we just leave them?” “We have told the police to dispose of old cases. No innocents have been arrested. We will proceed according to the court’s direction,” he said while speaking to reporters during his visit to Basapur Airport in Koppa, ANI reported.

On BJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna’s demand for a holiday on January 22 for the Ram Mandir inauguration, CM Siddaramaiah said, “I am not aware of the BJP’s demand for a government holiday. I don’t know about the leave.”

Also Read: Ram Mandir inauguration to Modi’s big test: Much for BJP to look forward to in 2024

“The central government is organizing the program, and they can decide on leave,” he added.

Responding to the controversy surrounding Ram Mandir inauguration invitation, Siddaramaiah stated, “I don’t know whom they invited or left out. Whoever goes, let them go.”

Meanwhile, the BJP condemned the arrest of the man in Hubbali for his alleged role in the post-Babri demolition riots after 31 years. The Karnataka state BJP unit has called for a protest against the state government.

Speaking on the matter, BJP leader BY Vijayendra said, “They have arrested a Ram bhakt when the state and the whole nation is waiting for January 22. We strongly condemn this. We are calling for