Escalating their attack on the Congress-led State government over the withdrawal of cases linked to the Aland violence in 2022, BJP leaders accused it of compromising the rule of law for what they described as “appeasement politics” and warned that all withdrawn cases would be revived if the BJP returned to power.

BJP State unit president B.Y. Vijayendra, along with BJP leaders and party workers, took out a protest march from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Chowk to the office of the Deputy Commissioner before holding a public rally near the Social Welfare Department office in Kalaburagi city on Monday (June 1).

Mr. Vijayendra alleged that the Siddaramaiah-led government had prioritised vote-bank considerations over justice by withdrawing cases arising from the violence, which broke out during the Raghav Chaitanya Shivlinga Pooja on the Ladle Mashaq Dargah premises at Aland town in March 2022.

The Congress government has chosen appeasement over justice, Mr. Vijayendra alleged, maintaining that the BJP was not opposed to any community, but the party’s objection was against those involved in unlawful and anti-national activities. He also asserted that devotees would continue to perform religious rituals in Aland town without fear.

Former Union Minister Bhagwant Khuba described the withdrawal of cases as a “betrayal of justice”. Recalling the events of March 1, 2022, he alleged that violence erupted despite prior permission for the religious event and the presence of senior police and district officials. “Instead of ensuring accountability, the government has chosen to withdraw cases. This raises serious questions about its intentions,” he said.

Umesh Jadhav, former MP, accused the Congress government of misusing the legal system and alleged that innocent youths had been booked in false cases while those responsible for disturbing public order were being protected. “The Congress speaks about the Constitution, but its actions are contrary to the principles it claims to uphold,” he said, alleging deterioration of law and order in the district.

BJP leader Raju Gowda urged the party leadership to extend support to Hindu activists facing legal cases. “Hindu activists need protection and reassurance. The leadership should give them hope that they will not be abandoned,” he expressed.

Former legislator Rajkumar Patil Telkur alleged a partisan approach in the withdrawal of cases and said that if the BJP returned to power in 2028, it would review the decision and seek to reopen all such cases. “Those responsible for the violence cannot escape accountability forever,” he said.

The BJP leaders warned that the party would continue its agitation against the State government for the withdrawal of cases.