BENGALURU, 1 MAR

The entire State Cabinet is backing those who shouted pro-Pakistan slogans in Vidhana Soudha, said Kota Srinivas Poojari, leader of Opposition in Legislative Council.

“It is painful that the slogans were not shouted anywhere else but in Vidhana Soudha. If Kengal Hanumanthaiah was alive, he would be ashamed of this,” Poojari said. 

Poojari attacked Congress for not making any arrests despite the incident taking place almost six days ago. “Congress MLC BK Hariprasad is making a statement saying, Pakistan is our neighbour, it may be an enemy country to BJP. What does this mean?” Poojari questioned. 

Poojari expressed outrage that Syed Naseer Hussain, who has been elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha, has not condemned the incident. “BJP met the Governor on Thursday and he has promised to provide justice,” the MLC said. 

About the 10th anniversary celebrations of Anna Bhagya scheme held on Thursday, Poojari said the Central government is sending 22 lakh quintals of rice every month to the State. This rice is used for Anna Bhagya scheme. However, Siddaramaiah lied to the people, saying the Congress had implemented the Anna Bhagya programme with the rice provided by the Central government.

Poojari said professor Nitasha Kaul, who was to attend Constitution and National Unity Convention in Bengaluru but was sent back from Kempegowda International Airport, has an agenda against India. Her invitation was opposed by Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Girish Bhardwaj, who had written a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah requesting him to cancel her OCI card. “He has also requested the Central government to instruct all State governments to ban her from all events,” Poojari said.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday accepted the caste census report submitted by Backward Classes Chairman K Jayaprakash Hegde. Poojari questioned if the report was Hegde’s or Kantharaju’s (former chairman). “Siddaramaiah is doing politics by not disclosing the contents of the report. The CM has not disclosed the details as he is scared of Davangere MLA Shammanur Shivashankarappa and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar,” Poojari said.

‘Pro-Pak’ slogan: Action after getting forensic report, says Home Minister

Home Minister G Parameshwara on Friday said the police are waiting for a report from Forensic Science Laboratory to take action in connection with alleged pro-Pakistan slogans raised by supporters of Congress leader Syed Naseer Hussain, who was elected to Rajya Sabha.

He said a suspect had been called up and his voice recording had been gathered by the cops.

Opposition BJP alleged that Hussain's supporters allegedly raised pro-Pakistan slogans while celebrating his victory in the Rajya Sabha polls on Tuesday. The purported videos of the incident were telecast by TV news channels and also went viral on social media.

"The FSL report is yet to come. We have asked for the report as soon as possible. The videos given to FSL are not from one channel or one clip. Several clippings have been given to FSL," Parameshwara said.

The Home Minister said seven people have been called so far and their statements were recorded. Their voice samples have also been recorded to compare it with that in the clip, he said.

Opposition BJP and JD(S) have demanded the Congress government's resignation for its "inaction" in nabbing the culprits who allegedly shouted the 'Pakistan zindabad' slogan, and also accused the administration of trying to cover up the issue.

BJP has demanded that Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot recommend the dismissal of the government.