Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) supporters initiated a ‘padyatra’ (protest rally) from Keragodu village to the District Collector’s office in response to the removal of a saffron flag from a 108-foot flagpole in the village.
Both BJP and JDS are part of the National Democratic Alliance. Heightened security and the imposition of Section 144 in Keragodu have intensified tensions. Former Village Panchayat vice president, Virupaksha, clarified that their request letter highlighted the dual use of the flagpole for religious purposes. Chief Minister Siddaramiah criticized the hoisting of the saffron flag and accused the BJP of orchestrating actions against the state government.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and urged adherence to constitutional principles.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai accused the state government of engaging in appeasement politics and neglecting law and order. The situation further intensified as Sangh Parivar, Janata Dal, and BJP workers protested the flag’s removal.