Karnataka Congress chief and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced a protest by Congress against the BJP for its "injustice" to the state in New Delhi on February 7. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is slated to participate in the protest organized by his party. The demonstration aims to express opposition to the Centre regarding fund allocation and budgetary concerns of the state.
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said, "On the 7th of February we all will protest to give justice to Karnataka... India will remain united..."
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The decision to organise a protest came after Congress MP D K Suresh, the younger brother of D K Shivakumar, suggested that states in South India might consider seeking a separate country if perceived injustices persist in fund allotments.
On a visit to Delhi to demand compensation from the Centre for drought-hit taluks in the state, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said, "The protest with participation of all MLAs and corporators will be led by the CM. We will go to Delhi on 6th February, and on 7th February we will hold the protest to demand justice, funds for drought-affected districts of Karnataka...."
However, BJP hit out at the Congress and alleged that the party was trying to divert attention from the repercussions of Congress MP D.K. Suresh's "separate nation for south India" statement and the controversy surrounding the removal of the Hanuman flag. The Karnataka BJP characterized the upcoming protest by the Karnataka government as a desperate move to offset the setbacks, according to a report on IANS.
