Political Controversy Erupts in Karnataka: BJP Accuses Congress of Protocol Violation Over Quran Recitation at Hubballi Event

Bengaluru: A political controversy has erupted in Karnataka concerning a Quran recitation at an event which the BJP describes as a "government programme." The incident occurred on October 5 in Hubbali, with video footage of the Quran recital now circulating widely. The BJP claims this constitutes a protocol violation, while the Congress firmly denies these allegations, including the characterization of the event as government-sponsored.

BJP MLA and Deputy Leader of Opposition Arvind Bellad stated, "It was a government function. How can they call an Imam and make them recite Quran... There were Congress flags at a government event and the officials present were acting like party workers."

On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Bellad described the incident as a "blatant misuse of government platform by the Congress" and added, "I've written to the Chief Secretary @shalinirajnish demanding an enquiry and immediate action against the concerned officials. If the government fails to act, this issue will be raised strongly in the upcoming Legislative Assembly session."

State Minister Santosh Lad, who attended the event and distributed sewing machines to beneficiaries, responded: "He has only taken this particular video and showing it. There was a recital from Quran. But there were other recitals too, for Hindu gods and goddesses... So many recitals from Hindu religion. So why he has objections I do not know."

Lad emphasized that it was not a government programme, stating, "It was organized by corporators of the Congress," and maintained there was nothing inappropriate about displaying Congress flags at such an event.

The Hubballi event included launching development initiatives on Devar Gudihal Road and symbolic distribution of free sewing machines. Labour and District In-charge Minister Santosh Lad inaugurated projects worth Rs 14 crore during the ceremony.