News Brief
"We Will Be On Your Side": After BJP Chief Nadda Meets Neha Hiremath's Father, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Calls Congress Corporator
Nishtha Anushree
Apr 23, 2024, 07:43 PM | Updated 07:39 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
In a bid to pacify critics over the "personal reasons" remark, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called the father of Neha Hiremath, who was stabbed to death by Fayaz Khondunaik in Hubballi.
Neha's father Niranjan Hiremath is a Congress councillor at Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation. He had earlier criticised Congress and even accepted the 'Love Jihad' angle in the case.
Speaking to him, Siddaramaiah said, "Niranjan...very sorry. We will be on your side." The conversation happened on the phone when the state's Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil visited Hiremath.
Siddaramaiah informed Hiremath that a CID probe has been ordered for the case and a special court will be set up. Siddaramaiah also assured him of punishment for the accused person, TNIE reported.
Thanking the Karnataka CM, Hiremath asked Siddaramaiah to "ensure there is an order at the earliest and provide us justice." Citing words of grief, he also apologised for criticising Congress earlier.
The development comes after the BJP organised statewide protests against the ruling Congress government over "Love Jihad" case and BJP national president J P Nadda met Neha's father when he was in Hubballi.
Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara downplayed 'Love Jihad' angle and Siddaramaiah had said that Neha was killed for personal reasons emphasising "good law and order" in the state.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Nishtha Anushree is Senior Sub-editor at Swarajya. She tweets at @nishthaanushree.
Introducing ElectionsHQ + 50 Ground Reports Project
The 2024 elections might seem easy to guess, but there are some important questions that shouldn't be missed.
Do freebies still sway voters? Do people prioritise infrastructure when voting? How will Punjab vote?
The answers to these questions provide great insights into where we, as a country, are headed in the years to come.
Swarajya is starting a project with an aim to do 50 solid ground stories and a smart commentary service on WhatsApp, a one-of-a-kind. We'd love your support during this election season.
Click below to contribute.