Political Tensions Escalate in Karnataka After Murder of Corporator’s Daughter

In a tragic incident that has sparked a political confrontation, Neha Hiremath, a 21-year-old student and daughter of Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation corporator Niranjan Hiremath, was fatally stabbed by a former classmate at KLE Technological University. The murder has quickly turned into a political battleground, with BJP national president J P Nadda criticizing the handling of the case by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, suggesting that it was being diluted for “appeasement politics.” In response, Siddaramaiah dismissed allegations of “love jihad” connected to the murder, accusing the BJP of exploiting the tragedy for electoral gains.

The local police have arrested the accused, who was produced in court and remanded to 14-day judicial custody. Despite the police suggesting a prior romantic relationship between Neha and the accused, Fayaz, her family strongly denies such claims, describing the interactions as unwanted advances that Neha had rejected. Meanwhile, BJP leaders have labeled the incident as “love jihad,” causing further controversy and leading to calls for protests across Karnataka.

The ongoing dispute has not only deepened the rift between the BJP and Congress but also emphasized the potential implications on upcoming elections, particularly in north Karnataka. Both parties continue to address the incident in the public sphere, with the BJP demanding a CBI probe into the murder, claiming the state government’s response shows a disregard for justice and security in the region. The case remains a focal point of tension, reflecting broader issues of political accountability and communal relations in the state.

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