K'taka BJP slams Congress for 'royal treatment' of Maoists in surrender drama

Bengaluru (The Uttam Hindu): The Karnataka BJP has strongly criticized the Congress government for providing special treatment to Maoists and facilitating their surrender in a high-profile manner. BJP MLC N. Ravikumar raised concerns over the involvement of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the surrender process, questioning, "Should the Chief Minister be playing a role in making them surrender? Is it right for them to surrender in the CM’s office?" He pointed out that such a significant event, with the presence of the Chief Minister, Home Minister, and police officials, was unusual for a surrender.

Ravikumar also questioned why the Maoists didn’t surrender directly to the police. Instead, the Chief Minister and Home Minister were involved, which he found inappropriate. He further raised issues about the "package" offered to the surrendered Maoists, questioning the fairness of providing financial assistance to individuals involved in serious crimes like murder. He also wondered if the state would drop the numerous charges against them.

The BJP leader expressed skepticism about the Congress government's claim that these six Maoists were the last ones in the state, asking for evidence to support this statement.

BJP General Secretary and MLA V. Sunil Kumar joined the criticism, calling the surrender an attempt to create "Urban Naxals." He emphasized that such actions would demoralize the police force, who have been fighting Maoist activities for years.

The surrender was facilitated by the "Shantigaagi Naagarikara Vedike" (Citizens Forum for Peace), an organization allegedly associated with supporting "Urban Naxals."

The six Maoists who surrendered, including Mundagaru Latha, Vanajakshi, Sundari, Marappa Aroli, Vasantha T., and N. Jeesha, submitted themselves before Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at his office ‘Krishna,’ raising questions about the state’s approach to dealing with Maoist activities.

The tale continues to unfold as political parties and citizens watch closely how the state government handles this sensitive issue.