Mon May 05 13:57:22 UTC 2025: ## Joshi Accuses Congress of Protecting Communal Violence in Karnataka
**Hubballi, Karnataka – May 5, 2025** – Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday accused the Congress party of shielding those involved in communal violence in Karnataka, claiming that such incidents spike whenever the party is in power. Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, Joshi cited Mangaluru as having the highest number of communal crimes under Congress rule, alleging that some feel protected by the government and thus emboldened to commit such acts. He further pointed to the withdrawal of cases related to rioting and clashes, including an incident involving the Old Hubballi Police Station, as evidence of this alleged protection.
Joshi also commented on the ongoing situation with Pakistan, stating that the Indian government is taking several steps against the country following the Pahalgam terror attack, including halting business transactions. He added that further international action is planned but declined to provide a timeline.
The Minister sharply criticized Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, calling him arrogant and accusing him of deflecting questions about irregularities in the KPSC examination by bringing up the Mahadayi river issue. He also addressed the controversy surrounding a Brahmin student’s sacred thread being removed during a NEET examination in Kalaburagi, stating that while security checks are necessary, the incident is under investigation and action will be taken.
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