Karnataka: Leader Of Opposition R Ashoka Detained Amid BJP's Protest Over Srikanth Poojari's Arrest

Leader of the opposition in Karnataka, R Ashoka, was taken into preventive custody amidst widespread protests, following the arrest of Kar Sevak Srikanth Poojari in connection with the riots after the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992.

Srikanth Poojari's arrest, 31 years after the incident, has sparked condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who accuses the ruling Congress of engaging in "politics of vendetta" and portraying the state government as "anti-Hindu."

As reported by NDTV, Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra strongly criticised the government's actions, stating, "Karnataka government is proving again and again that it is an anti-Hindu government."

The BJP has been staging protests across the state, alleging the arrest of "workers of Hindutva organisations" ahead of the Ram temple's inauguration in Ayodhya.

However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has dismissed claims of hate politics, stating, "We have told the police to dispose of old cases. No innocents have been arrested. We will proceed according to the court's direction."

The BJP further criticised the state government for controversial remarks made by senior Congress leader Hariprasad, who suggested a possibility of a Godhra-like incident in Karnataka ahead of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple on 22 January.