BJP cancels anniversary fete of Bommai regime in Karnataka after party worker's murder sparks wave of resignations

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai today restricted himself to listing out a series of his government's achievements before the media today after cancelling his regime's anniversary celebrations as a wave of resignations by the youth wing office-bearers hit the ruling BJP to protest lack of protection to loyal workers from attacks.

The outpouring of anger from several parts of Karnataka, including coastal and malnad districts following the murder of party worker Praveen Nettaru (31) in the coastal Dakshina Kannada district on Tuesday night has jolted the Bommai government. The BJP workers and office-bearers have taken to social media to attack their leaders including local MP and state BJP President Nalinkumar Kateel, Home Minister Araga Jnanendra and Chief Minister Bommai.

The government had organised an official anniversary event in Vidhana Soudha and a party event near Bengaluru to celebrate BJP's three-year rule in Karnataka. BJP national president JP Nadda was scheduled to address the party rally in the evening. The uproar over the murder from the party workers led to the mid-night announcement of cancellation of the two events as more and more people questioned the government's commitment towards them.


In February, Shivamogga saw the murder of a 26-year old Hindu activist’s murder over his strong views including on hijab. After Tuesday's incident, party workers have started questioning whether the ministers and elected representatives really walked the talk when they talk of taking tough action against anti social elements.

On Wednesday, when Kateel tried to visit the victim's house, thousands of people who had gathered there tried to gherao him and lifted his car -- a spectacle that sent shock waves among senior BJP leaders.