BENGALURU, 29 APRIL

Home Minister G Parameshwara stated on Monday that he had limited information about a reported security lapse at a Congress protest in Belagavi but had directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to conduct a thorough investigation. According to preliminary reports, members of the BJP Mahila Morcha had allegedly infiltrated the rally disguised in Congress shawls and waved black flags during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s address.

Parameshwara also criticised the BJP for what he described as a deceptive and provocative act, arguing that the protestors would have been identified sooner had they worn their party colours openly. “Entering a public gathering under false pretences is not only irresponsible, but a threat to public order,” he remarked while speaking to reporters.

The controversy erupted during a Congress demonstration against rising prices, when a group of women—allegedly BJP workers—began waving black flags as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took the stage. Visibly angered by the breach in security, Siddaramaiah confronted Assistant Superintendent of Police Narayan Bharamani and was seen raising his hand in frustration. “Who is the Belagavi SP? What’s happening here? What are you doing here?” he demanded in full public view.

BJP swiftly condemned Siddaramaiah’s behaviour, accusing him of intimidating a police officer and undermining the rule of law. The party described the episode as a “black day for democracy in Karnataka” and amplified criticism online under the hashtag  #DeathOfDemocracyInKarnataka.

The incident has drawn sharp reactions from across the political spectrum, raising questions about political conduct, the safety of public events, and the role of law enforcement under pressure.