BENGALURU: Following the pro-Kannada vandalism in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said that strict legal action would be initiated against those violating law and order in the state. “We are not opposed to anyone holding protests, but legal action will be taken against those who take the law into their own hands”, Siddaramaiah told reporters.
Meanwhile, Karnataka CM is scheduled to hold a high-level meeting over the forced installation of Kannada signboards at shops and offices. “I will hold a meeting with BBMP and police officers today”, he said. Officials of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the primary civic body in the city, and the state Culture Department will participate in the meeting, according to sources.
#WATCH | Karnataka Deputy CM & State Congress chief DK Shivakumar says, "In a democracy, everyone has the right to protest. We can't tolerate anyone taking the law into their hands. I am disturbed that they (pro-Kannada protesters) vandalised boards & establishments etc. Please… pic.twitter.com/P6JtHTsXmg
— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2023
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also echoed the Chief Minister saying the protesters will not be allowed to violate law and order in the state.
“In a democracy, everyone has the right to protest. We can’t tolerate anyone taking the law into their hands. I am disturbed that they (pro-Kannada protesters) vandalised boards and establishments etc. Please obey the government’s 60 per cent Kannada nameboards order. We are committed to protecting the citizens of the state”, D K Shivakumar said
Earlier, on Wednesday, the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) expressed concern over the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) directions for inscribing ’60 per cent Kannada’ letters on all nameboards for commercial establishments.
The FKCCI, while reiterating that it will always follow the rules of the government, stated that it will also instruct its members to adhere to the orders of the state or BBMP. However, the FKCCI also urged the state government not to initiate any action under the above rule until the deadline of February 28, next year.
“We request the Government of Karnataka and BBMP not to initiate any action for the above rule till the deadline of 28th February 2024 and also urges the Government to ensure that no one takes law in their own hands to harass the Trade and Commercial establishments,” Ramesh Chandra Lahoti, president, FKCCI said in a statement.