Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Sep 6: Despite the state government banning BJP Yuva Morcha's 'Mangaluru Chalo' bike rally and the city police as well as various district administrations prohibiting all kinds of bike rallys for the next couple of days, the BJP on Wednesday September 6 remained adamant that it would go ahead with the rally in Mangaluru at least partially within the city limits.
Addressing a press meet at the BJP office here, Mahadevapura (Bengaluru urban) MLA Aravind Limbavali said, "
"Police are trying to stop us from taking part in 'Mangaluru Chalo' rally. When the Congress organised a march in Ballari our (then) government provided security during the march. Now they are trying to defame BJP and attempting to impose an emergency-like situation in the state.
"Since yesterday (Tuesday September 5) police have seized 4,188 bikes and detained 6,947 of our representatives across the state. But come what may, 'Mangaluru Chalo' will happen, spearheaded by BJP state president Yedduyurappa. Leaders like Jagadish Shettar and Eshwarappa will also take part," he asserted.
"Even though there is no permission for the rally, we will take out a procession from Jyothi to DC's office. As many as 1,000 bikes and 5,000 people will take part in the rally from Jyothi to DC's office. After holding a public meeting, we will take a roundabout from DC's office. During the public meet, Yeddyurappa will announce the next step to be taken," he added.
However, the police have not only refused permission for BJP's rally, but imposed a ban on all rallies and processions for the next two days.
"The government is misusing the police department. No action has been taken in cases like murders of Kuttappa, Prashanth Poojary, Praveen, Rudresh, Gouri Lankesh and Prof Kalburgi.
"The state government has become so cheap that even food items were seized at Nelamangala during our rally. We have just asked for security for the rally, and providing it was the government's duty," he said.
Condemning the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, Aravind Limbavali said, "BJP strongly condemns the murder of Gouri Lankesh. It should not have happened. It is not possible for the state government to trace down the culprits, so the case needs to be handed over to the CBI.
"Till today, the culprits behind M M Kalburgi's murder have not been apprehended. Whether it is the murder of rightist and leftist or farmer suicides, no action has been taken by the state government. So far 24 representatives of right-wing have been murdered in the state.
"The Supreme Court has ordered CBI probe into DySP Ganapathy case. Soon we will come to know whether it was suicide or murder. Due to political pressure, evidence in the case has been destroyed. Law and order has completely detoriated in the state. So all the cases need to be handed over to the CBI," he demanded.
MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, BJP district president Sanjeeva Matandoor, Monappa Bhandary and others were present.