Siddaramaiah raises his hand in anger against Dharwad ASP Narayan Baramani.
Credit: ANI screengrab
Bengaluru: A day after six members of the BJP Mahila Morcha waved black flags at a public rally in Belagavi attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Tuesday tasked Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) R Hitendra to ascertain if there were any security lapses at the venue.
Infuriated at sight of the black flags that the members of the BJP Mahila Morcha started waving just as he began his speech, Siddaramaiah supposedly raised his hand at a senior police officer. It has since emerged that the women gained entry to the venue by posing as Congress members.
Pointing out that he was not in possession of all the relevant information about the incident in question, Parameshwara, interacting with journalists in Bengaluru, said: “Only with all the details can I make a statement.”
Confirming that ADGP Hitendra had been asked to look into the incident, Parameshwara added, “The BJP members wore Congress scarves to gain entry to the venue. Had they donned the scarf of their own party, police would have identified them, and acted accordingly. The BJP has no moral right to speak about security lapses given that members of the party used deception to gain entry.”
Dismissing BJP’s allegation of the Congress adopting a soft stance vis-à-vis the terror attack in Pahalgam, Parameshwara said, “Congress has always prioritised national interest. AICC has made the party’s stand very clear on this issue. Matters of national security must transcend party affiliations, and the responsibility for ensuring this lies particularly with the Centre.”