Kalaburagi, May 24 (UNI) The BJP on Saturday staged a protest 'Kalaburagi Chalo', demanding the immediate dismissal of Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge from the state cabinet, following a recent flashpoint in Chittapur, involving alleged Congress-sponsored hooliganism.

The protest came in the wake of the May 21 incident, in which Congress workers allegedly laid siege to a guest house in Chittapur, Kalaburagi district, where Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanswamy, was staying.

The BJP has termed the incident a "premeditated attempt to intimidate opposition leaders."

Addressing reporters at the rally here, senior BJP leader Vijayendra Yediyurappa said, "We strongly condemn the Congress government’s dictatorial attitude. Our Leader of the Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy was targeted in Priyank Kharge's Assembly constituency. This is a direct assault on democracy. Priyank Kharge must resign immediately. If the Congress truly believes in the ideals of Dr BR Ambedkar, it must take action against such rowdy elements within its ranks."

Vijayendra said that a BJP delegation led by senior leader R Ashoka had already submitted a formal representation to the Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot seeking Kharge's removal.

BJP national general secretary CT Ravi, also present at the protest, said, "Dictatorship will not work in a democracy. The era of Nizamshahi is over. Do they want to revive it in Kalaburagi? Hooliganism will not be tolerated. Democracy has already answered such behaviour — and so will we."

The BJP asserted that the Kalaburagi incident was not isolated, but part of a larger pattern of political intimidation under the Congress regime. The party has warned of intensified statewide agitations if no action is taken.

UNI BDN PRS