BJP accuses HDK of sedition, petitions guv for action

The state BJP on Friday accused Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy of sedition and petitioned Governor Vajubhai Vala seeking suitable action over his remark asking people to “revolt” against the saffron party.

In a memorandum submitted to Vala by a delegation led by Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, the BJP charged that Kumaraswamy had violated Section 124(A) (relating to sedition) and other provisions of the IPC.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Kumaraswamy had said he will have no option but give an open call to the people to revolt against the BJP, if party president B S Yeddyurappa continued to “provoke” him by trying to destabilising the coalition government.

The memorandum stated that Kumaraswamy, having taken oath under the Constitution, was required to uphold the unity and integrity of the country. "However, contrary to the oath which he has taken under the Constitution, he has made statements which amounts to sedition,” it stated.

A senior leader said Kumaraswamy should not be allowed to continue in office and the Governor should recommend to the Centre to dismiss the coalition government.

Earlier in the day, the BJP also filed a complaint with Director General and Inspector General of Police Neelamani Raju seeking prosecution of Kumaraswamy.

Speaking to reporters after submitting the complaint BJP state general secretary Shobha Karandlaje said the person who was supposed to protect the Constitution and citizens of the country was "provoking" people.

BJP leaders also staged a protest at Mysore Bank Circle in Bengaluru terming the Kumaraswamy’s remark "call for anarchy." The protest witnessed a verbal duel between a section of BJP workers and the police.