Tensions Rise: Karnataka Governor Gehlot Boosts Security Amid Congress Protests

Amid escalating tensions between Karnataka’s ruling Congress party and the Governor’s office, security for Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has been significantly reinforced. The move is best illustrated by the Governor’s decision to use a bulletproof car for the first time since assuming office in July last year. The heightened security measures come in the wake of ongoing protests led by Congress leaders and ministers, condemning Gehlot’s sanction to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Security Reinforcement
Governor Gehlot’s decision to enhance his security has raised eyebrows, particularly as he has called off his participation in all public events until August 29. This includes his absence from the inaugural convocation ceremony of Nrupatunga University on Wednesday, a move reportedly influenced by intelligence inputs warning of potential protests by a section of students.

A source close to the Governor revealed that intelligence agencies had advised against his participation in the event, prompting Gehlot to avoid it. “Intelligence inputs suggested that a section of students wanted to protest during the Nrupatunga University convocation ceremony, and therefore, he opted to skip the event,” the source disclosed.

Political Tensions
The tensions between the Congress and the Governor’s office have been brewing, with Congress leaders intensifying their protests against Gehlot. The trigger for these demonstrations was the Governor’s approval of a request to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a move that has been perceived by the ruling party as politically motivated.

During a rally at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park on Monday, Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan warned that the state’s “peace and tranquillity” could be disrupted if the Governor continued to act in what he described as a “partisan manner.” In a more extreme statement, Congress MLC Ivan D’Souza compared the situation to the violent protests in neighbouring Bangladesh, which led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and suggested that Congress workers would not hesitate to chase Gehlot out of the Raj Bhavan.

Official Response
Despite the heightened security, Home Minister G Parameshwara downplayed any immediate threat to the Governor, stating that neither he nor the Director General and Inspector General of Police were aware of any specific dangers. “These security-related issues have not come to my notice nor have they come to the attention of the Director General and Inspector General of Police. By virtue of his position, the Governor is entitled to bulletproof cars and Z+ security. He must have got it,” Parameshwara said.

The Home Minister also suggested that the security measures might be precautionary, possibly in response to intelligence reports indicating potential threats beyond the state’s borders. “It is normal for security to be beefed up in the event of an alert being issued by an intelligence agency,” he added.

Controversial Statements
Parameshwara also distanced himself from the inflammatory statements made by his party colleague, Ivan D’Souza. While expressing disapproval of D’Souza’s remarks, he stopped short of calling for any legal action against him. “It is not right to use such words while protesting. Whoever did so was wrong,” the Home Minister remarked, though he clarified that he did not endorse booking a case against D’Souza.

Conclusion
The standoff between the Congress-led state government and Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot shows no signs of abating, with both sides entrenched in their positions. As security around the Governor is tightened, the political climate in Karnataka remains charged, with the potential for further escalation in the days to come.