The former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on Monday criticised the attack by alleged Hindu Jagarana Vedike activists on young men and women in Mangalore, with Higher Education Minister C.T. Ravi terming it a “Taliban” attack.
While Mr. Yeddyurappa suggested to Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar to take strong action against those responsible for the attack, Mr. Ravi, who is also in the district in-charge Minister of Dakshina Kannada, promised severe punishment to those involved in the attack.
H.S. Shankarlinge Gowda of the BJP said the State Government was responsible for the attack and violation of human rights of the people in Mangalore. “Such incidents had not occurred during the tenure of previous governments,” he said.
Mr. Yeddyurappa said the attack on women was the “most inhuman act.” “Severe punishment should be given to all those involved in the attack, even if they are our own people.”
Mr. Yeddyurappa said the entire House should condemn the incident. “They (attackers) may belong to any organisations, but they should not be spared,” he said.
Mr. Gowda blamed the BJP government for the barbaric attack on women in Mangalore. Acknowledging the performance of the Vajyapayee government, the people voted the BJP Government in the State. “But the BJP’s symbol Lotus blossomed in scandals and not in slush,” he said and condemned the attack.
The attack dented the image of the party and the people of the State would teach a fitting lesson to the BJP in the coming elections, he said.
