Gowda may protest in front of CM's residence defying orders

The protest is being held by Deve Gowda alleging raw deal meted out by the BJP government to his home district, Hassan.

The Bangalore City police had refused permission to Gowda to hold the protest in front of the Chief Minister’s residence, stating that prohibitory orders were in place.

“We have not permitted the former prime minister to hold protests in front of the Chief Minister’s residence. Prohibitory orders have been promulgated within two kilometre-radius of Vidhana Soudha, hence rallies cannot be held there,” Bangalore City Police Commissioner B G Jyothiprakash Mirji told Deccan Herald.

He added that if the police granted permission, then everybody would start staging protests in front of the Chief Minister’s residence, which would inconvenience the public.
“We have decided not to grant permission on these grounds,” he said.

When contacted, JD(S) Member of the Legislative Council and spokesperson Y S V Datta said, “We are committed to our stand for a peaceful protest. Deve Gowda will garland the Gandhi statue in front of Maurya Hotel at 9:30 am and then proceed by walk towards the Chief Minister’s residence.”

Mirji said the police communicated the decision to Deve Gowda on Sunday afternoon and clarified as to why they are unable to permit him to stage protests in front of the Chief Minister’s residence.

Instead, “We have suggested few other places like Banappa Park, Freedom Park and MG statue to hold the protest,” he said.

Gowda had alleged that the Yeddyurappa government had not released funds for development programmes in Hassan district in the last three years.