BJP in Karnataka Protests Alleged Pro-Pakistan Slogans during Congress Celebration; Minister Priyank Kharge Denies Allegations

Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka staged a demonstration outside the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru today, claiming that supporters of Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain, who won the election on 27 Feb 2024, raised pro-Pakistan slogans. However, Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge dismissed the allegations, stating that it was evident from the audio recordings that the supporters were chanting “Naseer Hussain and Syed Sahab Zindabad.” “It is evident from the audio that they were chanting ‘Naseer Hussain and Syed Sahab Zindabad’… This is merely a desperate attempt by the BJP to regain momentum. The party has conducted an audio forensic examination, which revealed no such slogans. The government’s FSL report is expected by 11 am,” Priyank Kharge said. Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader remarked that if the claims were substantiated by forensic analysis, the individual responsible would be punished. He stated that a thorough investigation would be initiated. “This incident occurred outside the assembly premises after the RS election. If proven true, I strongly condemn it and appropriate action should be taken. A comprehensive investigation is necessary to identify the person who allegedly chanted slogans and how they gained access. I will discuss this matter with the Home Minister, Chief Minister, and Deputy Chief Minister. The police should conduct a thorough investigation. I urge all parties not to politicize the issue; we should cooperate with the investigation, otherwise, the person responsible, if any, may evade justice,” UT Khader remarked. Earlier, the Karnataka BJP filed an FIR at the Vidhana Soudha Police Station regarding the incident. According to the complaint filed by the Karnataka BJP, it was claimed that Hussain’s supporters, gathered at the Vidhana Soudha premises after the returning officer announced his election to the Rajya Sabha around 7 pm, suddenly began chanting “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans while cheering for Hussain. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha member Syed Naseer Hussain addressed the issue on his social media platform, denying any involvement in the slogan-raising incident. He pledged to conduct a thorough investigation and take strict action against those responsible.