BJP should pay for losses due to violent protest: Kharge

Bangalore, Jun 1 (UNI) KPCC President Mallikarjuna Kharge today demanded that the BJP should offset the loss to public property in the wake of violent protests by supporters of the leaders, who were denied ministerial berths in the Yeddyurappa ministry.

Speaking to newspersons here, he alleged the saffron party's internal wrangles had spilled into the streets and the consequent violence reflected how the party was going to rule the state.

''The BJP has started its rule in an utterly wrong manner. Why should the public suffer for its leaders being denied ministerial berths,'' Mr Kharge, who tendered his resignation as KPCC president, asked.

The Congress High Command, however, had asked Mr Kharge to continue till another person as party president was appointed.

Mr Kharge said it was wrong on the part of BJP leaders to criticise Governor Rameshwar Thakur for saying that the party (BJP) should prove its majority before he addressed the joint session.

''The Governor is acting as per the constitution. If BJP feels otherwise, let them prove it,'' he said.

The BJP had claimed yesterday that as per Article 176 of the Constitution, the Governor should not refuse to address the joint session and proving of majority would only come later.

Mr Kharge demanded that legal action be initiated against the BJP leaders who 'instigated' disturbances in Hubli and Anekal near the city and Mysore.

''The composition of the cabinet is not over, but already there is so much of confusion in the BJP. Though, it is an internal matter of that party, people should not be made to suffer due to the selfish motives of its leaders,'' he said.

He refused to react on the remarks made by former Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna, who was brought back to the state politics ahead of the Assembly elections.

The former Chief Minister had said in interviews to some magazines that the party leadership had failed to take proper decisions to help Congress regain power in the state.

''I don't know what Mr Krishna experienced or felt. The High Command will take the right step in this regard if any wrong has happened. KPCC has taken steps against any anti-party activity during the elections,'' he added.

The KPCC president said the Committee had issued a showcause notice to Congress leader Somanna for protesting against the selection of Mr Kharge as the Opposition leader in the Karnataka Assembly.

UNI RS GL KN1802