War of words between Congress, BJP MLAs over Bengaluru violence

Two days after a clash erupted in Bengaluru over a derogatory Facebook post targeting a religious minority community, Chamarajpet Congress MLA BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan and Krishnaraja BJP legislator SA Ramadass engaged in a war of words over the riots that left three dead in police firing.

Condemning the violence, Khan, in a tweet, insisted on peaceful and legal means of lodging protests against the alleged inflammatory social media post by P Naveen, the nephew of Pulakeshinagar Congress MLA Akhanda Srinivasa Murthy.

Khan said he had visited the houses of those killed in the firing and became emotional to see the bereaved families. “Who will take care of the mother and sister after losing the son?” he asked. Khan said he had spoken to religious leaders and senior police officers to make sure the culprits are brought to justice.

Replying to the tweet, Ramadass sought to know why Khan’s emotions did not go for those who lost their valuables in the violence. “During the riots, houses of common people were set on fire and the vehicles bought with the money hard-earned torched. More than 60 policemen got injured. But these incidents don’t generate sympathy in you,” he said.