Former Home Minister of Karnataka, R. Ashok, has criticized the Congress party’s promise to ban the Bajrang Dal, a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization if they come to power in the state. Speaking exclusively to news sources, Ashok stated that the state government does not have the power to ban the organization and accused Congress of making false promises to gain votes in the upcoming elections.
As law and order are state concerns and the Bajrang Dal is not a banned organization, Ashok said that while the state government can restrict the operations of organizations, it cannot outright ban them. He claimed that Congress is misleading the public and making irrational promises.
The BJP leader made his remarks following the release of the Congress party’s platform for the forthcoming Karnataka Assembly elections. If the party is elected, the manifesto promises to take strict action against extremist organizations, such as the Bajrang Dal.
In addition, Ashok said that the Bajrang Dal has engaged in charitable work and is not a terrorist group. In his opinion, Congress should prioritize development rather than making empty promises if it wins reflection.
For its controversial actions, like as its involvement in the riots at Godhra in 2002 and its attacks on minorities around the country, the Bajrang Dal has garnered media attention. Considering the organization’s extremist views and involvement in incidents of inter-communal violence, Congress has argued for its outlawry.
The Karnataka Assembly election is scheduled for May 12, and the results will be made public on May 15. The BJP and the Congress are the two leading contenders in the state, and both are exerting every effort to win over voters.
