BENGALURU, 2 APRIL

The BJP on Wednesday launched state-wide protests against the Karnataka government, alleging that it "failed" to contain rising prices. The opposition party staged demonstrations at the district and Taluk headquarters and revealed plans of more protests till 13 April.

In Bengaluru, BJP State President BY Vijayendra and his father BS Yediyurappa led the protests at Freedom Park. Party leader R Ashoka and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, several MLAs and former ministers took part in the protest.

In his address to the gathering, Vijayendra alleged that the government has deceived the public and its policies are negatively impacting the poor.

“This is not the government which does what it says but it’s the one which is misleading people. The government is branding the poor with the price rise. No one is living peacefully. The way the government increased the prices of petrol and diesel, milk, stamp duty and medical expenses should be an eye-opener,” he said.

The saffron party also staged a protest on Wednesday, terming the suspension of 18 BJP MLAs from the State Assembly as "dictatorial" and "undemocratic" and urged Speaker UT Khader to reverse the decision.

The protest was held in front of Kengal Hanumanthaiah statue at the Vidhana Soudha premises, wherein BJP legislators called the Speaker "one-sided" and "pro-Congress".

They warned of intensifying the protest if the suspension was not revoked immediately.

The 18 BJP MLAs were suspended for six months from the Assembly on 21 March for "indiscipline" and "disrespecting" the Speaker.