The tragic murder of a Karnataka corporator’s daughter has sparked a heated exchange between the Congress and the BJP, escalating into a political standoff. Neha Hiremath, a 23-year-old student, was brutally stabbed multiple times by a former classmate, Fayaz Khondunaik, in Hubbali. Police investigations suggest that Khondunaik, driven by rejection after Neha ended their alleged relationship, committed the heinous act.
The incident swiftly transformed into a battleground for political rhetoric. While the Congress portrayed it as a personal tragedy, the BJP seized it as evidence of the state’s faltering law and order. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi even insinuated a “love jihad” angle, accusing the Congress government of minority appeasement and negligence in addressing such issues.
However, Home Minister G Parameshwara refuted the “love jihad” narrative, emphasizing the absence of evidence supporting it. The situation further escalated when Neha’s father, a Congress corporator, labelled the crime as a “Love Jihad” case, alleging a deliberate plot to ensnare his daughter.
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The BJP capitalised on the opportunity, with Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi condemning the Congress government for failing to uphold moral and ethical values, citing a breakdown in law enforcement. In response, the Congress defended its record on law and order, accusing the BJP of attempting to destabilize the state by insinuating the imposition of Governor’s rule.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed the BJP’s claims, asserting Karnataka’s strong law and order framework and accusing the opposition of resorting to theatrical tactics to sway voters. Amidst the political wrangling, the tragic loss of Neha Hiremath underscores the need for collective efforts to ensure the safety and security of citizens, transcending partisan interests.
