Vijayendra’s criticism comes after Congress allegedly dropped cases against individuals involved in a violent incident in Hubballi, which involved the destruction of police property and attacks on officers. The BJP claims this selective leniency showcases the state government's bias, contrasting sharply with its refusal to dismiss charges against individuals associated with right-wing groups.
As part of its protest, the BJP plans a significant rally in Hubballi later this month. Vijayendra emphasized that Congress’s broken promises, particularly its claims of corruption-free governance, are becoming increasingly evident within just over a year of its administration. He highlighted corruption in various government institutions, including the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation and the Mysuru Urban Development Authority, as examples of administrative failures under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s leadership.
The Congress government, which secured a majority in the last state elections, is now facing a public relations crisis, with the BJP capitalizing on what it perceives as mismanagement and disregard for the Hindu community. According to Vijayendra, the ruling government has lost the trust of the people, especially due to its handling of cases involving communal and criminal incidents, which has fueled religious tensions in Karnataka.
Beyond the Hubballi controversy, Vijayendra has focused on long-standing corruption allegations. He stated that Congress has done little to address systemic issues within state-run institutions, leading to a collapse in public trust. BJP leaders argue that this lack of accountability is a direct betrayal of the electoral promises that helped Congress return to power.
This latest push by the BJP aligns with a broader national strategy to strengthen its position in states governed by opposition parties, ahead of upcoming elections. In Karnataka, the BJP is using corruption and law-and-order concerns as central issues to galvanize its voter base, aiming to regain political ground lost during the previous election cycle.
Public disillusionment with the Congress administration is also being magnified by the BJP’s media campaigns, which frequently highlight scandals and administrative lapses under Siddaramaiah’s government. Vijayendra’s claim that the government has abandoned the Hindu community is a recurring theme, one that BJP leaders are leveraging to strengthen support from right-wing groups across the state.