The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) held a demonstration in Mysuru on Monday condemning the Congress government’s recent decision to withdraw criminal cases against individuals accused of spreading communal hatred in the society.

SDPI State president Abdul Majeed, who led the protest at FTS circle in Mysuru, urged the government to withdraw its decision to revoke the cases booked against individuals such as Pramod Mutalik, Chaitra Kundapura, Andola Swamy and others, who are accused of spreading communal hatred and inciting unrest in the society.

The government’s decision, Mr. Majeed said, appears to be “aimed at appeasing the Sangh Parivar and amounts to a direct attack on democracy, rule of law, and the principles of social justice in the State.”

Speaking at a protest organised by the SDPI Mysuru District Committee, Mr. Majeed said the government’s decision to withdraw cases against individuals accused of creating unrest through hate speeches, dividing society in the name of religion, and repeatedly making inflammatory remarks against minorities and Dalits poses a serious threat to law and order.

Mr. Majeed, however, has clarified that the SDPI welcomes the withdrawal of cases against innocent individuals, Kannada activists, farmers, and farmer-rights protesters. However, he said, cases against the BJP and Sangh Parivar leaders who have repeatedly engaged in communal provocation, hate speech, and social division cannot be justified or accepted under any circumstances.

He further accused the Congress government of adopting a discriminatory approach, stating that while cases involving Muslims, Dalits, and backward communities are often delayed citing “legal complications”, no such obstacles appear when withdrawing cases against those accused of hate politics and communal incitement.

Speaking on the occasion, SDPI district vice-president S. Swamy stated that the people of Karnataka would never accept policies that protect hate politics while targeting innocent minorities and Dalits. He urged the government to immediately withdraw what he described as an “anti-people” decision.