Haveri, July 6 : Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra on Monday visited the residence of Shivaji Rao Bairoji, who was recently murdered at Rettihalli in Haveri district, and met his bereaved family, while announcing an agitation in Haveri on July 16. â??

Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai was also present.â??

Speaking to reporters after the visit, Vijayendra alleged that incidents of violence against Hindus had increased since the Congress came to power in Karnataka and urged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to "stop political theatrics" and ensure protection for Hindus.â??

Announcing agitation, Vijayendra said the BJP would hold a massive protest in Haveri on July 16 under the leadership of former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai against the alleged attacks on Hindus and the state government's handling of law and order.â??

Referring to another recent incident in Naregal, Vijayendra said Lohith Kurubar and his associates were allegedly attacked near a mosque over bursting firecrackers to scare away cattle. He claimed that assaults on Hindus had now escalated to murders.â??

The BJP leader alleged that the murder of Shivaji Rao, who had been running a petty shop for nearly six decades, was not a personal dispute but part of a "systematic conspiracy."

According to Vijayendra, the accused picked a quarrel after allegedly claiming they had paid Rs 500 for goods worth Rs 100 before fatally assaulting Shivaji Rao by kicking him in his private parts.

He further claimed that similar confrontations had occurred at the victim's shop on three or four previous occasions.â??

Vijayendra criticised the state government, alleging that no minister had visited either the family of the Naregal assault victims or Shivaji Rao's family.

Calling the government "insensitive," he alleged that it had failed to stand with the victims' families and was merely sending the accused to jail without ensuring justice.â??

He further accused the state government of pursuing minority appeasement politics, claiming it had emboldened communal elements.

Referring to the recent murder of a Dalit woman in Yellapur, which he alleged was linked to "love jihad," Vijayendra said no minister had visited that victim's family either.â??

Targeting Karnataka Minister for Home Priyank Kharge, Vijayendra said the minister should focus on taking strict action against those responsible for such incidents in Karnataka instead of commenting on international affairs.â??

Demanding immediate relief measures, Vijayendra sought police protection for Shivaji Rao's son, alleging that he had received threats. He also urged the government to provide a government job to the victim's sister and adequate compensation to the bereaved family.â??

Vijayendra also objected to the re-arrest of Hindutva activist Puneeth Kerehalli, alleging that while those who threatened him had not been arrested, police had instead registered a false case against him. He accused the state government of selectively targeting Hindu activists.â??

He maintained that the state government had been elected with the support of both Hindus and minorities and therefore had a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of every citizen.â??

/IANS