BJP Accuses Congress of Providing VVIP Treatment to Terrorists in Karnataka Prisons

The BJP spokesperson has accused the Congress of providing protection to imprisoned terrorists.

New Delhi:

On Monday, the BJP leveled serious accusations against the Congress government in Karnataka, claiming they've provided VVIP amenities to an alleged ISIS recruiter and other detainees in state prisons. The party demanded immediate resignations from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G Parameshwara.

These allegations emerged following the circulation of undated videos on social media platforms apparently showing prison inmates utilizing mobile phones, watching television, and even hosting parties inside correctional facilities.

During a press conference at BJP headquarters, national spokesperson Shezaad Poonawalla presented video footage allegedly showing ISIS recruiter Juhad Hameed Shakeel Manna using a mobile phone while incarcerated. Poonawalla accused the Congress of extending patronage to the suspect.

"We apprehend terrorists and when they're imprisoned, the Congress provides them with VVIP facilities enabling them to freely execute terror plans and recruit more individuals," he alleged.

Poonawalla emphasized the contrast between the NDA government and Congress leadership, stating, "On one hand, the country's security agencies and government are diligently working to thwart terrorists' sinister plans and arrest them, while on the other hand, biriyani, mobile phones and VVIP services are being provided to terrorists in Karnataka jails." He added that Congress has consistently been "soft on terror."

The BJP spokesperson accused Congress of providing protection to incarcerated terrorists and other inmates while demanding that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and state Home Minister Parameshwara resign immediately to facilitate an independent investigation into the matter.

He also challenged Congress central leadership and Rahul Gandhi, saying, "You are attempting to reintroduce jungle raj in Bihar while you've already established 'jungle raj' in Karnataka." Poonawalla questioned Gandhi, asking, "Will you demand accountability from the Karnataka Chief Minister and Home Minister Parameshwara, and call for their resignations?"

On Monday, the Karnataka Home Minister acknowledged that the state government has taken serious note of reports concerning illegal activities in state prisons and warned that such violations would not be tolerated.

Parameshwar's statement came amid public outrage following recent media reports, including videos allegedly showing inmates accessing prohibited items like cannabis, alcohol, mobile phones, and television inside their barracks at Bengaluru Central Prison.

"The media has reported illegal activities in the state's jails. We've taken this very seriously. The government will not tolerate it under any circumstances," he informed reporters before a review meeting.

Holding prison authorities accountable, Parameshwara stated, "All officers concerned and the head of the prisons bear responsibility... it's their duty to manage properly."

Poonawalla dismissed such statements from the minister as insufficient to address what he described as the "deteriorating" law-and-order situation and a series of "corruption" cases in Karnataka under Congress governance.

He insisted that both Siddaramaiah and Parameshwara must resign to allow for an impartial and independent investigation into the matter.

"Without their collaboration -- the Congress' active support and the state government's collusion -- terrorists, rapists and criminals could not receive VVIP service and treatment inside prison," Poonawalla concluded.