BJP targetting Rahul Gandhi, says M.B. Patil - The HinduPublished - September 01, 2026 10:45 pm IST - BelagaviCongress workers taking out a rally in protest against FIR against Rahul Gandhi, in Vijayapura on TuesdayCongress workers took out a protest march in Vijayapura on Tuesday, against the FIR filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.District In-charge Minister M.B. Patil and others led the rally. They condemned the registration of an FIR against the Opposition Leader in the Lok Sabha.The protesters walked from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Circle and reached the Deputy Commissioner’s office. They raised slogans against the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. They submitted a petition to President Droupadi Murmu through Deputy Commissioner Anand K.“The BJP and RSS workers had cleaned the place where Rajya Sabha Opposition Leader and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge had given a speech in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. That is a clear case of caste discrimination. Rahul Gandhi had demanded strict action against those involved in the cleaning ritual. Instead of taking action against the accused, the Union governance has forced officers to register an FIR against Rahul Gandhi. This is highly condemnable’”, Mr. Patil said.The Uttarakhand police, acting at the instigation of the BJP government in the State, have registered a case against Mr. Gandhi at the Kotwali police station in Haldwani city. Through this, the BJP has openly defended its casteist behavior. The BJP is playing the politics of vengeance. The Central government is being vindictive against Mr. Gandhi. It is a clearly politically motivated act to silence the voice of the opposition. However, we have faith in the judicial system and will fight the case legally, he said.MLA Vitthal Katakadhond, Congress district president Mallikarjuna Loni, leaders Raju Alagura, Mohammed Rafiq Tapal, Prabhugowda Lingadalli, Chandsab Gadagalav, Subhas Kalebaga, and others were present.Published - September 01, 2026 10:45 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }