The Congress party on Wednesday staged statewide protests across Karnataka condemning what it described as the filing of false cases against its senior leaders in connection with the National Herald case. The demonstrations were led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president D.K. Shivakumar at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, with similar protests held at district headquarters and taluk centres.

All Congress MLAs and MLCs gathered in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the legislature premises, expressing solidarity with party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said protests would continue both inside and outside legislative forums in support of the recent court verdict rejecting the Enforcement Directorate’s charge sheet in the case.

Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of indulging in “politics of hatred and vindictiveness,” alleging that central agencies were being misused to target Congress leaders. He claimed the court’s decision had exposed what he called a conspiracy to malign the party and asserted that Congress would not remain silent in the face of such actions.

Also Read: Congress Says ED Misuse Exposed After Court Declines Cognisance in National Herald Case

The Chief Minister further alleged that the BJP was using false cases to divert attention from pressing national issues such as rising inflation, unemployment and public debt. He claimed India’s debt had increased sharply under the Narendra Modi-led government and accused the Centre of failing to fulfil promises related to job creation and the return of black money.

Referring to the National Herald newspaper, Siddaramaiah said it was founded in 1937 by Jawaharlal Nehru to support the freedom movement and remains an asset of the Congress party. He noted that the trial court’s rejection of the ED’s charge sheet against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders was a reaffirmation of justice.

He also criticised the BJP for focusing on renaming government schemes and buildings rather than addressing public welfare. Accusing the party of opposing pro-poor initiatives, Siddaramaiah said Congress’ guarantee schemes in Karnataka were now being replicated elsewhere, despite earlier resistance from the BJP.

Also Read: DK Shivakumar Calls Delhi Police EOW Notice in National Herald Case ‘Very Shocking’