Ahead of Ram Temple Opening, Cong's BK Hariprasad Says 'Godhra-Like Riots Likely'; BJP Demands His Arrest

Days ahead of the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Karnataka Congress MLC BK Hariprasad on Wednesday stoked a fresh row saying that riots like Godhra might take place in the state and asked the central government to provide security to the people going to the holy city in Uttar Pradesh.

“There is a possibility of ‘Godhra-like incident’ in Karnataka in the run up to the consecration ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The Karnataka government should be alert because in Gujarat during the same occasion, the Kar Sevaks were set on fire at Godhra,” the Congress leader was quoted as saying.

“2002 Godhra train burning case had plunged Gujarat into one of the worst communal riots. So, no room should be given for any untoward incident to happen in Karnataka. All the arrangements should be made for those willing to go to Ayodhya so that we should not see another Godhra happening in Karnataka,” he added.

“If a Hindu Dharma Guru inaugurates the Ram temple then you and me would have gone there (to Ayodhya) without any invitation”, the Congress leader said.

“My knowledge tells me that the four Shankaracharyas are the head of the Hindu religion. If the four Shankaracharyas or any religious head had inaugurated the event then I would have attended the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are not ‘Dharma Guru’ but political leaders. We have to consider this,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Congress leader’s comments came after the BJP, in response to the arrest of Hindu activist Srikanth Poojary, alleged that the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka is reopening old cases related to the demolition of the Babri Masjid that took place in 1992.

BJP Demands Hariprasad’s apology

Responding to the comments of Karnataka MLC BK Hariprasad, BJP said that the Congress leader should apologise for his disrespectful remarks.

“Congress is becoming a worm of communal conspiracy. These are the people who created obstacles in the way of Ram temple,” said BJP leader Naqvi Mukhtar in response to Congress leader Hariprasad’s remark on Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony. 

Karnataka BJP leader KS Eshwarappa also slammed Hariprasad for his remarks and said, “It is surprising to see leaders like BK Hariprasad speaking this kind of language. Former PM Rajiv Gandhi had also supported Ram Mandir. Lord Ram himself will safeguard the devotees who visit Ayodhya.”

“What does he hinting towards? Is this a threat or does he know something beyond that? A serious investigation is required!” BJP Andhra Pradesh Vice President questioned.