Bangalore: Thousands of Vokkaligas from all over the state, irrespective of party affiliations have rallied behind Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda and have  expressed their ire against the BJP high command which chose to dislodge such a popular chief minister  who has provided a corruption-free rule to the state.

There were protests, rallies and demonstrations in Bangalore, Mysore and Mandya and heads of Vokkaliga religious organizations too have stood up against the decision.

The BJP has come under fire for playing caste politics. Narayana Gowda, President of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike strongly feels Sadananda Gowda has been victimized merely because he is a Vokkaliga despite him providing a good administration.

The protestors were heard shouting slogans and they even burnt effigies of former CM Yeddyurappa and the new incumbent Jagadish Shettar.  A call was also given to Vokkaliga MLAs and ministers to resign enmasse.

In another development, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda who also seems to be perturbed with the BJP decision to dislodge Chief Minister DVSadananda Gowda, however refuted charges that  he had influenced Sadananda Gowda during his tenure in taking some vital decisions.