"We Will Be On Your Side": After BJP Chief Nadda Meets Neha Hiremath's Father, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Calls Congress Corporator

In a bid to pacify critics over the "personal reasons" remark, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called the father of Neha Hiremath, who was stabbed to death by Fayaz Khondunaik in Hubballi.

Neha's father Niranjan Hiremath is a Congress councillor at Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation. He had earlier criticised Congress and even accepted the 'Love Jihad' angle in the case.

Speaking to him, Siddaramaiah said, "Niranjan...very sorry. We will be on your side." The conversation happened on the phone when the state's Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil visited Hiremath.

Siddaramaiah informed Hiremath that a CID probe has been ordered for the case and a special court will be set up. Siddaramaiah also assured him of punishment for the accused person, TNIE reported.

Thanking the Karnataka CM, Hiremath asked Siddaramaiah to "ensure there is an order at the earliest and provide us justice." Citing words of grief, he also apologised for criticising Congress earlier.

The development comes after the BJP organised statewide protests against the ruling Congress government over "Love Jihad" case and BJP national president J P Nadda met Neha's father when he was in Hubballi.

Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara downplayed 'Love Jihad' angle and Siddaramaiah had said that Neha was killed for personal reasons emphasising "good law and order" in the state.