Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stirred up a political storm on Tuesday with his controversial statement questioning whether rape cases did not occur during the BJP’s rule in the state. His comments came amidst rising criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the state of law and order in Karnataka following the recent rape of a woman at KR Market in Bengaluru. The incident, which took place on Sunday night, involved a woman waiting for a bus to Yelahanka. Two men, under the pretense of helping her, allegedly lured her to a secluded spot on Godown Street, where they assaulted her. Both suspects have been arrested, according to Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda. “The complaint pertains to extortion and sexual assault. We have taken swift action, and two individuals are in custody,” he said. Speaking to reporters in Belagavi, Siddaramaiah said, “Did rape incidents not happen during the BJP tenure? There should be no rapes. Women should get security, but some sociopathic people do such acts.” He emphasized that his government would take stringent action against such offenders, adding, “Anti-social elements in society commit these crimes. We are committed to ensuring the safety of women and maintaining law and order.” His remarks, however, have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused the Congress-led state government of failing to address the rise in crimes.
BJP’s Counterattack
Leader of Opposition R Ashoka lashed out at the Congress government, alleging a collapse of law and order in the state. “The common people are living in fear. There is no environment where girls can move around safely. How long will you continue this misrule while clinging to power? Resign and free the people of Karnataka from this anarchy,” Ashoka said in a post on X. The BJP has also demanded the resignation of Home Minister G Parameshwara, claiming that crimes such as robbery, murder, rape, and atrocities against vulnerable groups have surged since the Congress government took office. The incident has reignited debates over women’s safety and law enforcement in Karnataka. While Siddaramaiah’s remarks have sparked controversy, the broader concern remains the rising number of crimes and the urgent need for action. Women’s rights activists have called for more robust safety measures, faster justice for victims, and stricter punishments for offenders. The Congress government, under intense scrutiny, has vowed to prioritize women’s safety and hold perpetrators accountable. However, the political blame game between the BJP and Congress threatens to overshadow the immediate need for systemic changes and effective implementation of safety measures.
