Reddy blames Amit Shah for violence in state

Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Friday blamed BJP president Amit Shah for 'instigating violence' in Karnataka.

Despite such instigation by Shah, the crime rate in Karnataka is under 5% compared to 7% during the BJP rule in the state.  "Shah openly told his party workers here (in Karnataka) to instigate violence. BJP Lok Sabha member Pratap Simha followed it in letter and spirit. Karnataka ranks 10th in the country in crimes," Reddy said.

He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the five-day grape and watermelon mela which began at Lalbagh Botanical Garden. Reddy also blamed the previous BJP government in the state for not bringing culprits to book and concealing facts about criminals.

Citing the example of Union Minister of State Anantkuamr Hegde going 'scot-free' even after he assaulted a doctor at a hospital in Sirsi in Uttara Kannada district, Reddy said that the BJP is protecting him.

"But we (the Congress) are not doing that. We have expelled Mohammed Haris Nalapad from the party for six years and ensured that he was arrested. Action has also been taken against the police official for not doing his duty diligently. K R Puram Block Congress president Narayanswamy who poured petrol and threatened BBMP officials has been arrested," he added.