28 Apr. 24: Karnataka’s Labour Minister Santosh Lad has accused BJP leaders of exploiting the deaths of Hindus for political gain, claiming they show little concern when a Hindu is killed by another Hindu, but seize upon tragedies involving Muslims killing Hindus as political opportunities. He stated this while addressing the media in Hubballi on April 22, also remarking that the recent murder of Neha Hiremath is being exploited by the BJP for political mileage.
He further criticized BJP leaders for their lack of attention towards issues such as the high number of missing women in India, suggesting their focus on winning elections has led them to make unrealistic claims, like winning 400 seats, which he humorously remarked might only be possible if they contested in Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Mr. Lad urged Neha’s father, Niranjan Hiremath, not to let the murder be politicized, advising him to voice any grievances with the Karnataka government but not to fall into the BJP’s political traps. He warned that Mr. Niranjan was being manipulated by the BJP’s election tactics.
