BJP to hold statewide protests tomorrow, petition governor

The BJP has decided to hold protest rallies at all district headquarters on October 19 against the murder of RSS worker Rudresh in Bengaluru. “Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa will lead the protest rally in Bengaluru in front of Mahatma Gandhi statue at Anand Rao circle between 11 am and 5 pm. The BJP leaders will submit a memorandum to Governor Vajubhai Vala on October 21 against the state government’s failure in ensuring law and order in the state,” former minister Aravind Limbavali told reporters. 

He also demanded a compensation of Rs 25 lakh to Rudresh’s family members. The police extended prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 in Shivajinagar, Bharathinagar, Pulikeshinagar and Commercial Street areas till October 20. “The orders will be in effect between 12 midnight on October 17 and 12 midnight on October 20,” City Police Commissioner N S Megharikh said. The four areas are highly sensitive.

Political parties have planned road blockades and protest rallies till Rudresh’s body is cremated. There are alerts from the intelligence wing that anti-social elements may indulge in violence. Hence, prohibitory orders were extended, Megharikh added.