A video was released later which showed policemen chasing away the protectors shouting and chanting ‘Modi-Modi’ loudly. The venue of the event was Manyata Tech Park where the Congress President was addressing the people. The protesters were carrying placards and boards which demanded Rahul Gandhi to leave the venue. When the chants and slogans of the pro-Modi supporters grew louder, Police intervened to take control of the situation and clear the area. The Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) Karnataka has alleged that several protestors (including techies) were taken into custody by the police present on the location. The party also condemned the action taken by the police and alleged that the workers of the opposing party (Congress) had attacked the protestors protesting on the location.
The BJP Karnataka’s Twitter handle wrote ‘Democracy in Danger’ as they posted a video saying that ‘this is the real face of democracy in a Cong JDS ruled state. Its total dictatorship where freedom of choice and expression of citizens is supressed’. They also attached a video showing the police taking the protestors into custody. But the Bengaluru Police denied the arrest allegations. One of the senior police officer Seemanth Kumar Singh tweeted that ‘No one has been arrested, only people were dispersed without the use of force’.
Police arrests few techies for raising pro Modi slogans at Manyata tech park in Bengaluru. This is the real face of democracy in a Cong JDS ruled state. It’s total dictatorship where freedom of choice & expression of citizens is suppressed. pic.twitter.com/5GoQJO2OqI — BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) March 18, 2019 While the National President of the BJP, Amit Shah shared the video on his Twitter handle saying that ‘Hugs for ‘Tukde Tukde’ gang and arrest of peaceful youth raising pro-Modi slogan? Where are the champions of ‘Free Speech’? Yuvraj of Congress must know ‘an era moves in the direction in which the youths move’. Stop intimidating youth of India, which has rejected your brand of politics.’
Where are the champions of ‘Free Speech’? Yuvraj of CONgress must know ‘जिस ओर युवा चलता है उस ओर युग चलता है’। Stop intimidating youth of India, which has rejected your brand of politics. https://t.co/AXqeyihKJy — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 19, 2019 Officer Singh also said that, one section of the protesting crowd was too close to the SPG (Special Protection Group) protectee – Rahul Gandhi. So, the police present on scene had to get the crowd in control. It should be noted that the state BJP leader CT Ravi has also alleged that some workers of the opposing party ‘attacked techies who shouter Modi-Modi slogans. But till now, there isn’t any proof about the violence between the Congress and BJP workers.
