MYSURU/BENGALURU: Amid the arrest of three individuals for allegedly raising pro-Pakistan slogans in Vidhana Soudha, a BJP worker’s arrest in Mandya has stirred controversy. Ravi, a BJP worker from Danayakanapura, has been apprehended by Mandya West police for purportedly raising a ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogan during a protest two years ago.
The arrest follows a complaint filed by Congress worker Kumar, who accused Ravi of making a pro-Pakistan statement in December 2022.
However, BJP workers in Mandya contend that Ravi mistakenly uttered ‘Pakistan Zindabad’, instead of the intended slogan ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ during the protest. This discrepancy has sparked debate over the legitimacy of the allegations against Ravi.
The incident dates back to December 18, 2022, when Ravi participated in a demonstration at Sanjay Circle in Mandya. The protest was organised in response to derogatory remarks made by the then Pakistan foreign minister against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
While other BJP workers were chanting slogans such as ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ and ‘Hindustan Zindabad’, Ravi’s alleged utterance of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ prompted the complaint by Kumar.
The arrest of Ravi has been perceived as a delayed action, occurring more than a year after the alleged incident. Nevertheless, based on Kumar’s complaint, the police have taken action against Ravi, filing an FIR on Monday night.
Police to investigate
Meanwhile, the state government has also started to probe the alleged pro-Pakistan slogan raised by Ravi, with Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar stating that the police will investigate it too.
Parameshawara claimed that BJP workers had raised pro-Pakistan slogans, when the BJP was in power, and yet no actions was taken.
Shivakumar said that the police had been instructed to take stringent action.