K G Bopaiah.
Credit: DH Photo
Madikeri: Karnataka Assembly former Speaker and BJP leader K G Bopaiah accused the Congress of celebrating the death of BJP worker Vinay Somaiah, during the protest held on Sunday.
Former MP Prathap Simha's effigy was burnt and victory slogans were raised for Congress MLAs, he said.
Addressing mediapersons on Monday, he pointed out that when BJP members burnt an effigy in Virajpet recently, suo motu cases were registered against 30 people.
In Madikeri, police seized the dry grass when we were preparing to burn the effigy. But when Congress members burnt effigy in Madikeri, police turned a blind eye and no case was registered, Bopaiah said and alleged that the police department has succumbed to the pressure by the MLAs from Congress.
He asked why Congress leader Tennira Maina was not arrested despite abetment to suicide.
Bopaiah further alleged that Congress has been carrying out hate politics.
Protest in Madikeri
Urging the government to hand over the case of Somaiah's death to CBI and to include the names of MLAs A S Ponnanna and Dr Mantar Gowda among the accused, a protest will be held in Madikeri on April 8, Bopaiah said.
BJP state president B Y Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition R Ashok, M P Yaduveer Wadiyar, leaders Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, C T Ravi, Prathap Simha and others will take part, Kodagu district BJP president Ravi Kalappa said.