BJP Govt trying to bring 'Gujarat model governance:' Gowda

Mangalore, Sep 17 (UNI) Former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda today accused the BJP Government in Karnataka of trying to bring 'Gujarat model of governance' in the state through ''vandalism.'' Addressing a press conference after visiting places of worship and prayer halls, which were attacked by miscreants on September 14, Mr Gowda alleged that the BJP Government by ''sponsoring'' attacks on minorities is creating a ''terror situation.'' ''The violent incidents have caused insult to the state and lowered its dignity,'' he said.

Even the top leaders of the BJP, including Mr L K Advani and Mr Rajnath Singh who were in Bangalore to attend the National Executive, ''kept mum'' on the issue. The BJP had ''conspired to achieve their 'Hindutva' goal in Karnataka keeping an eye on the coming Parliamentary elections,'' Mr Gowda alleged.

Reiterating his demand for a judicial probe by a sitting Judge of the High Court into the violence, Mr Gowda warned that if the government failed to concede it, his party would launch a statewide agitation.

''Bursting of teargas shells and lathicharge on innocent people who were protesting against the attacks, clearly showed that it was a government-sponsored vandalism,'' he added.

Stating that he would submit a memorandum to the President through the Governor in this regard tomorrow, Mr Gowda alleged that among the arrested, about 80 people were from the minority community, while only a few others belonged to other communities.

UNI MA MSP RP CS1942