'RTGS Thief': Congress Workers Paste Provocative Posters Outside BY Vijayendra's Home
Congress workers paste 'RTGS Chor' posters outside BY Vijayendra's home, demanding an apology for alleged derogatory remarks.
Political tensions in Karnataka have reached a boiling point as Congress workers staged a fiery demonstration outside the residences of BJP State President BY Vijayendra and former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. The protest erupted following allegations that Vijayendra used derogatory and abusive language against the Congress party's high command, prompting a demand for a public apology.
Posters and Protests: The 'RTGS Chor' Controversy
In a bold move to register their condemnation, Congress activists plastered the vicinity of the BJP leader's property with provocative posters. The posters prominently featured the inscription "'RTGS Chor BY Vijayendra'", targeting the state president in a direct attack on his image.
According to party sources, the demonstrators are outraged by statements they claim undermine the dignity of the Congress leadership. The activists have insisted that the language used by Vijayendra was unacceptable and have urged him to withdraw his remarks and offer an unconditional public apology to the party's high command.
The Milk Price War: BJP Hits Back
While the Congress focused its ire on Vijayendra's remarks, the BJP launched a parallel offensive targeting the state government's economic policies. The friction coincides with a decision by Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's cabinet to increase milk prices by Rs 8 per litre, despite demands for a Rs 12 hike starting November 1.
In Mandya, BJP workers took to the streets at Mahaveer Circle to protest this price hike. Led by BJP leader CT Manjunath, the party members engaged in a unique form of protest by distributing milk, curd, and roses to the general public.
'Price Hike Badshahs': BJP Slams Congress Government
The BJP protesters did not hold back in their criticism, carrying posters that mocked the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, labeling them as the 'Price Hike Badshah' and 'Price Hike King'. The government was further branded as a 'Pickpocket Government' for allegedly burdening the common man.
The protesters raised several key objections to the price hike:
- Lack of Direct Aid: They accused the government of enacting a "drama" of helping farmers by raising prices instead of providing aid from the state treasury.
- Failed Benefits: Protesters claimed that previous price increases failed to actually benefit the farmers.
- Financial Burden: The BJP alleged that the move is a sign of "misrule" that puts an unfair financial strain on the public.
Government's Justification for Price Hike
Defending the decision, Minister Krishna Byre Gowda announced that the state government had carefully discussed the matter before deciding on the Rs 8 per litre increase.
Minister Gowda explained that the decision was necessitated by prevailing drought conditions in the state. He also noted that farmers had been protesting over sugarcane prices, arguing that current rates were insufficient. He emphasized that the government has a moral and administrative responsibility to support dairy farmers, who rely on these earnings for their livelihoods.