Bengaluru: Lambasting the state government for police action on ABVP activists protesting against the alleged ‘anti national activity’ at an event organised by Amnesty International in Bengaluru, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council K.S. Eshwarappa said the Congress government, instead of acting against anti-national elements, was initiating action against “patriotic ABVP members.”

Speaking to press ersons during an unscheduled visit to Hubballi on Saturday, he said: “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should immediately apologise to the people of the state for the police action on the students and withdraw cases against them.” Alleging that the Home Minister G. Parameshwara was incompetent, he said he (Mr. Parameshwara) should resign.

Regarding the police complaint filed by the United Theological College against ABVP and another filed by the principal of a private PU college against ABVP for allegedly forcing students to protest against Amnesty International, Mr Eshwarappa charged that the government was using the principal to suit its needs. “No student has filed complaint about being forced to protest; yet, the principal has filed the complaint,” he said.

On allegation that ABVP was acting at the behest of BJP, Mr. Eshwarappa said that BJP was supporting ABVP as it was an incident that went against the interest of the nation. Regarding the inconsistencies in the statements of officials and Congress leaders on the incident, he demanded a thorough inquiry into the Amnesty International episode.