Bengaluru, Oct 13 Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday sought a detailed report on police action against protesters in Bengaluru, asserting that the right to protest must be upheld without double standards across the country.
His remarks came a day after several protesters were detained while attempting to march towards the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer’s office, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
The protesters accused the police of manhandling them and photojournalists during the crackdown.
In a statement, Shivakumar said the right to peaceful protest was fundamental to democracy and that the government could not demand that right for itself in New Delhi while denying it to others in Bengaluru.
“I have taken note of yesterday’s incident involving protesters and members of the media. I have sought a full report on the circumstances that led to the police action. If there has been any unnecessary use of force or excess, accountability will follow,” he said.
Shivakumar said disagreement with the Election Commission, his government or him personally did not diminish anyone’s right to express dissent peacefully.
“Karnataka must hold itself to the democratic standards that we expect from the rest of the country. There will be no double standards,” he added.
Earlier, Home Minister Priyank Kharge had ordered a review of the police response to the protest and directed the force to ensure that peaceful demonstrations were not disrupted.
In a post on X, Priyank said the right to peaceful protest was fundamental to democracy and must be respected and protected, not suppressed.
“The handling of the protesters yesterday (Monday) by Bengaluru Police will be reviewed…. I have issued instructions to the police to ensure that no peaceful demonstration is disrupted,” he said.
The minister appealed to protesters to cooperate with the police and keep the authorities informed to ensure their safety and protect the rights of others.
“The police are here to protect your rights, not to stand in the way of your voice,” he said.
“Our responsibility is not merely to maintain law and order, but to create an environment where every citizen can express dissent freely, peacefully and without fear,” Priyank said.
He stressed that peaceful dissent was a democratic right, not a threat to law and order, and that the police had a duty to protect it.
(PTI News)
