‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans: BJP demands NIA probe, resignation of Congress government

A day after supporters of Rajya Sabha winner from Congress, Syed Nasir Hussain, allegedly raised “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans in the corridors of the Vidhana Soudha, the BJP on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Congress government for “providing protection to pro-Pakistani and anti-India elements” in the State and demanded National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the incident.

A day after supporters of Rajya Sabha winner from Congress, Syed Nasir Hussain, allegedly raised “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans in the corridors of the Vidhana Soudha, the BJP on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Congress government for “providing protection to pro-Pakistani and anti-India elements” in the State and demanded National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the incident.

The Legislative Council also saw uproarious scenes and the BJP and the Congress members nearly came to blows at one point.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara said in the Assembly that the police had registered a case, and if the FSL report proves that a supporter had indeed shouted pro-Pakistan slogans, action would be initiated.

In the Legislative Assembly, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok raised the issue and said that the government has been “shielding the accused” involved in the alleged incident and none had been arrested or inquiry initiated.

Alleging a “complete breakdown of law and order in the State”, Mr. Ashok said Mr. Hussain has not even condemned the incident and he tried to attack media reporters when he was questioned on the issue.

Mr. Ashok condemned the government’s inaction for “appeasing the minority community” for votes. The Congress should have suspended the newly-elected MP, he said, and asked: “What will be the situation of the Rajya Sabha if candidates of this credentials are elected. How do you (Congress) give ticket to such a leader?”

The BJP members took out a protest march from the Legislators’ Home to the Vidhana Soudha and entered the House shouting slogans against the Congress. Mr. Ashok said he wanted to know “how the Congress government will protect the Constitution and the State’s seven crore people if they are not able to ensure the safety of MLAs and MLCs in the Vidhana Soudha.” He alleged the Congress had arranged vehicles to bring supporters of the party leader and questioned the failure of the police to provide security to the Vidhana Soudha.