JD(S) legislator condemns attack on BJP legislator

Bangalore, Jan 4 (UNI) Senior Janata Dal (Secular) legislator and former Karnataka Legislative Council Deputy Chairman B R Patil today condemned yesterday's attack on BJP legislator H D Basavaraju allegedly by Sangh Pariwar members in his home town Virajpet.

Addressing newsmen here, he said that Mr Basavaraju was attacked allegedly by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bhajarang Dal activists for not participating in the Virat Hindu Samajothsav function at Gonikoppal in Kodagu District.

Mr Patil said that the activists also seized the residence of Mr Basavaraju and intimidated and threatened him for not extending cooperation and also abused him of caste. The attempt to file a complaint with the Superintendent of Police went in vain.

He said that the attack and police refusing to register case has reflected how the dalits in the State living with fear. The legislator was also warned from visiting his constituency by the attackers.

Mr Patil said that he would raise the issue in the Assembly Session beginning from January 25. He urged the State government to provide protection to Mr Basavaraju. He also appealed to Mr Basavaraju to come out from the BJP which was under the control of the RSS and its frontal organisations.

UNI