BJP MP Tejasvi Surya condemned the Karnataka administration’s announcement of Rs 10 lakh aid to the families of those slain in the Pahalgam terror strike, branding it insensitive and insufficient, especially when survivors are struggling.
He cited the brutal deaths of Manjunath Rao and Bharat Bhushan, both murdered in front of their kin after reportedly being asked about their faith. Surya highlighted that the state government’s compensation fell short, especially when compared to the Rs 15 lakh given in another case involving an elephant trampling incident in Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi’s former constituency.
Calling out the government’s lack of urgency, Surya announced that residents and institutions in Bengaluru South, on his appeal, would donate Rs 10,00,001 each to both families — one rupee more than the government’s grant as a symbolic gesture. He stated this initiative reflected the Hindu community’s solidarity.
He further declared that SSMRV College, under the RV Trust, will sponsor the higher education of Manjunath’s son, who scored 97% in II PUC, while Transcend Group of Institutions will provide free schooling till Class 12 for Bharat Bhushan’s son. Bhagwaan Mahaveer Jain Hospital has also pledged 11 years of healthcare support for the families.
Surya lashed out at Congress’ refusal to acknowledge the religious targeting, questioning why their “pseudo-secularism” keeps them from calling out terror. He also slammed Minister RB Thimmapur for denying that religion played a role in the killings, accusing Congress of vote bank politics.
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