Bengaluru: BJP worker attacked, Tejasvi Surya claims Congress's hand
What's the story
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya claimed that Congress workers attacked one of its party workers in the city's BTM layout on Sunday night.
The injured BJP worker was later hospitalized and is currently undergoing treatment.
Tejasvi further accused former Congress corporator Manjunath Reddy and his son of being behind the attack.
Context
Why does this story matter?
This development comes just a few days before Wednesday's much-anticipated Karnataka polls.
Furthermore, the alleged attack on the BJP worker came right after the roadshows in Bengaluru by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and Sunday.
Notably, the saffron brigade came to power in the state by toppling the coalition government of Janata Dal (Secular) and Congress in 2019.
Details
Injured BJP worker identified as Harinath
As per reports, a clash between the Congress and the BJP workers occurred on Sunday evening in Madiwala, where a BJP worker named Harinath was seriously injured.
Following the incident, Surya visited Madiwala Police Station along with Harinath's daughter and demanded immediate action on the matter.
The saffron brigade leader also alleged that a similar attack happened against Harinath in 2018.
More details
Surya visits hospital to see injured BJP worker
The BJP MP also paid a visit to the hospital to check on the injured BJP worker.
"Our karyakarta Harinath is brutally assaulted by Congress rowdies in BTM Layout. He is now in the hospital," Surya said in a tweet.
"Harinath has clearly mentioned that he was assaulted by ex-corporator Manjunath Reddy. Yet no action till now," he added.
Twitter Post
Twitter post by Surya
Our karyakarta Harinath is brutally assaulted by Congress rowdies in BTM Layout. He is now in the hospital. A similar attempt on his life was made earlier 2 years ago.
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) May 7, 2023
Harinath has clearly mentioned that he was assaulted by ex Corporator Manjunath Reddy. Yet no action till now. pic.twitter.com/unZN4BBOD4
Know more
Surya confirms FIR filed at Madiwala Police Station
While revealing the legal action taken in the matter, Surya said, "I am at Madiwala Police Station now along with Harinath's daughter. Two years ago when similar attempt on his life was made, FIR was filed."
"Guess what the BTM Layout police did? Arrest the victim Harinath himself! 7 hours after the registration of FIR, no action, no arrest," he added.
Twitter Post
Tweet by the Bengaluru South MP
Sorry. It was in 2018. Here is the FIR copy. pic.twitter.com/YL3dnxKayq
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) May 7, 2023
Further information
Police assured that suspects will be arrested: BJP MP
He further stated that the police promised to arrest the suspects by Monday morning.
"DCP South East came to Madiwala Police Station. He assured that suspects will be arrested before 7:30am," he said.
"If the promised arrests are not made, the simple conclusion is that the concerned authorities facilitated the absconding of the suspects by not acting within time," added Surya.
Further details
Modi's Bengaluru visit ahead of election day in Karnataka
Meanwhile, the prime minister held yet another roadshow on Sunday in Bengaluru ahead of this week's election in 224 Karnataka constituencies on Wednesday.
It is also worth noting that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are just around the corner, and all eyes are currently on Karnataka, which plays a significant role in South Indian politics.