Mon May 05 09:55:06 UTC 2025: **Congress Accuses BJP of Exploiting Karnataka Murders for Political Gain**
MANGALORE, INDIA – May 5, 2025 – The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exploiting recent murders in the state for political advantage. KPCC Working President and MLC Manjunath Bhandary stated that the BJP appears to be capitalizing on criminal incidents to garner support.
Bhandary specifically criticized the BJP’s response to the murder of Suhas Shetty, a man with a criminal record, including involvement in another murder. While the BJP had previously filed a rowdy sheet against Shetty, Bhandary highlighted the party’s current attempt to portray him positively. He further condemned the BJP for allegedly attempting to give a communal spin to other incidents, including the temporary disappearance of a student.
The recent murders, alongside previous hate crimes, have damaged the image of coastal Karnataka, hindering Bhandary’s efforts to promote tourism in the region. He also criticized Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja for a recent anti-Muslim speech, and Udupi Pejawar Mutt seer Sri Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swamiji for expressing anguish over Shetty’s murder, pointing out a contradiction with the previous seer’s inclusive approach to the Muslim community.
Bhandary warned that the BJP’s focus on Hindutva could backfire, referencing the backlash against former BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel following a previous murder. The Congress party maintains that it condemns all criminal activities.
First Piper 