Ivan D’Souza Warns of Mass Protest, Accuses Governor of Unconstitutional Actions Against Siddaramaiah
MANGALURU: Congress leader and MLC Ivan D’Souza raked up a controversy today by issuing a stern warning that if the Governor of Karnataka, Thaawar Chand Gehlot, does not leave office, Congress workers will march on the Raj Bhavan in a manner reminiscent of the protests seen in Bangladesh against the Prime Minister.
D’Souza, accompanied by senior Congress leaders and party workers, led a massive protest at Lalbagh in Mangaluru, condemning the Governor's decision to grant permission to prosecute former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He defined Governor Gehlot's move as against the constitution and democracy and blamed him for being a pawn of the Central government.
“Our demand is clear: the Governor must not continue here. He should go back. If he does not go, Congress workers will hold Governor Office Chalo and march on the Raj Bhavan just as the protests unfolded in Bangladesh against the Prime Minister. Therefore the Central government should recall him immediately,” D’Souza demanded.
He further emphasized that the Governor and the Central government would be held directly responsible for any consequences arising from this situation.
D’Souza also criticized the Governor for selectively granting permission for prosecution, pointing out that similar permission has not yet been given against other prominent leaders, including former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, former Minister Shashikala Jolle, Murugesh Nirani, and B Janardhan Reddy.
“When the Governor is sitting on all those cases, he has selectively granted permission against Siddaramaiah,” D’Souza asserted.
He praised Siddaramaiah as a leader devoted to the cause of the downtrodden and backward classes, declaring, “The Congress party is strong. The state government was elected through a constitutional process, and neither the BJP, JD(S), nor the Governor can undermine it.”
