Political slugfest begins

 The mass exodus issue has taken a political turn with the Opposition slamming the BJP government for its “inaction,” and the latter holding the Congress responsible for the same.

Addressing a press conference, BJP MLC Ashwathnarayana alleged that the Congress was behind the spreading of rumours of an impending attack on the people of North-East origin, in a bid to defame the State government.

“The entire incident looks pre-planned. How could you explain the immediate arrangement of special trains to Guwahati? At least two days prior notice is required to arrange special trains,” he charged. He alleged that spreading of rumours was deliberate and was the handiwork of the Congress.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Youth Congress function, Congress leader Siddaramaiah said the mass exodus of the North-Eastern people to their home states was the result of a stray incident that was blown out of proportion. 

He said that if the government failed to stop the people from leaving Karnataka, then it would adversely impact the federal system. Siddaramaiah said there were Kannadigas in North-Eastern states too and that the Government should instill confidence in the people and assure them protection.

KPCC president G Parameshwara said the incident proved that there was no law and order in the State and added that people from other States and minorities should not be forced to live in continued fear.

 He said a meeting comprising leaders of all communities should be convened by the Government and demanded the authorities to arrest those unnecessarily creating panic.

JD(S) State president H D Kumaraswamy said if the government failed to check the exodus, then the image of the State would take a major beating. He accused the police and the intelligence agencied of being in a deep slumber.