JOIN USCongress MLA extends help to families of Hubballi violence accused, BJP sees red
UPDATED: APR 29 2022, 22:13 IST
A political slugfest ensued on Friday over alleged distribution of food kits by Congress lawmaker B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan to the families of those arrested in connection with the recent violence in Hubballi.
BJP leaders accused Khan of "encouraging" rioters while accusing the Congress of stoking communal tensions for vote bank.
However, Khan denied the allegations as baseless and claimed that he is in Mecca on pilgrimage.
"I have come to Mecca on a pilgrimage since April 17. The recent allegations on me are completely baseless and false. I have no role in any activities mentioned in the allegations," Khan said in a tweet.
Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah backed Khan and said the Chamarajpet MLA was overseas.
"He is not here. If someone distributes food kits, what can we do?" Siddaramaiah said.
Meanwhile, the alleged food kit programme backed by Khan was cancelled following uproar by BJP.
Local BJP leaders submitted a memorandum to the police urging them not to allow the distribution to take place as the issue was sensitive.
It is believed that supporters of the MLA were planning to distribute food kits to families at a programme scheduled to be held at Shadi Mahal in Old Hubballi. Messages were circulated saying that the help was being offered to helpless families in the backdrop of Ramzan festival.
Reacting sharply, Home Minister Araga Jnanendra alleged that Khan was encouraging criminals by distributing kits.
"He is trying to become a hero, but he is sending the wrong message to the public by backing rioters," the minister said.
BJP leader CT Ravi further alleged that such incidents reinforced suspicion that the Congress stoked communal tension for the sake of votes.
"Even with DJ Halli and KG Halli riots, the Congress was responsible for hiring lawyers and giving financial aid to the accused," Ravi said.
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