Bengaluru: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Karnataka, state Congress workers staged protests across the city.
The protestors on Saturday carried empty pots as symbolic representations of the alleged neglect and lack of support towards the state by the central government.
The demonstrations aimed to highlight the grievances of the Karnataka Congress against the central government's handling of various issues affecting the state. The use of empty pots served as a powerful visual statement, emphasizing the party's claims of unfulfilled promises and inadequate allocation of resources.
Among the prominent figures participating in the protests was AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, who was later detained by the police during the demonstration near the Mekhri Circle in Bengaluru.
Speaking to reporters, Surjewala expressed the party's frustrations, stating, "The central government has done great injustice to Karnataka. We have received nothing but empty promises and neglect." He further highlighted the financial disparities, claiming that for every Rs 100 contributed by Karnataka in taxes, the state only receives Rs 13 in return.
The protests come at a crucial time as the political climate in Karnataka heats up with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on the horizon. The demonstrations serve as a reminder of the state's grievances and could potentially influence the public sentiment leading up to the polls.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister, Krishna Byre Gowda, also joined the protests in Byatarayanapura, Bengaluru, further amplifying the state Congress's message of discontent.