DK Shivakumar Dismisses BJP’s Protest Plans Ahead Of Belgaum Congress Session Centenary

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for planning protests during the centenary celebrations of the 1924 Belgaum Congress Session, which will take place in Belagavi.

Addressing the media, Shivakumar emphasized his resilience and dismissed any fear of BJP’s protests, stating:

“I am very much alive and I am heading the state Congress party. I am not scared of the BJP’s protest tactics. Mahatma Gandhi got us independence through his resolute fight. Do we get scared at a time when we are remembering the Mahatma?”

Key Highlights of Shivakumar’s Statements:

1. Response to BJP Protests:
   • The Deputy CM downplayed the BJP’s planned demonstrations, asserting that they would not deter the Congress party from commemorating the historic session.
2. Allegations of a Conspiracy Against BJP MLC C T Ravi:
   • When asked about Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s claim of a conspiracy to eliminate BJP MLC C T Ravi in a staged encounter, Shivakumar deferred the matter to the Home Minister and police.
   • He refrained from further comment on the issue during the celebrations.
3. BJP’s Silence on Women’s Issues:
   • Shivakumar criticized the BJP for not addressing allegations of inappropriate remarks against women while raising other issues, urging the media to hold them accountable.
4. Blame for State Issues:
   • The Deputy CM remarked that criticism and adversaries increase with power and responsibilities:“The number of enemies is directly proportionate to one’s strength. The stronger you are, the more the enemies. The more work you do, the more the mistakes. There won’t be any mistakes if one doesn’t do anything at all.”
5. Response to Kumaraswamy’s Remarks:
   • Regarding Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy’s statement that he doesn’t care about the future of the state, Shivakumar chose to address the matter later during a visit to Channapatna.

Historical Significance of the 1924 Belgaum Congress Session:

The 1924 Belgaum Congress Session holds immense historical importance as it was presided over by Mahatma Gandhi and symbolized India’s resolute fight for independence. The centenary celebrations, culminating on December 27, aim to honor this legacy.

Shivakumar’s firm stance sets the tone for the Congress’s approach to the milestone event amidst political friction.