BENGALURU: Tensions escalated outside Bengaluru’s Vikasa Soudha on Monday as BJP workers clashed with police during a protest demanding the resignation of minister B Nagendra.Police detained several BJP leaders and workers after protesters attempted to enter the government complex and lay siege to the entrances of Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha. Security was stepped up at key entry points, including Kengal Gate, High Court Gate and Vikasa Soudha Gate.At the Vikasa Soudha entrance, heated arguments broke out when protesters tried to move past the security cordon. Police subsequently detained several demonstrators and took them away in vehicles, with some shifted to High Grounds police station.Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka was among those detained. State BJP president B Y Vijayendra and several other party leaders were also present at the protest.Addressing the gathering, Vijayendra accused the Congress government of shielding Nagendra over allegations of diversion of funds meant for the welfare of Dalits. He said the BJP would continue its agitation until the allegedly diverted money was recovered.BJP leaders also condemned the police action, alleging that the government was attempting to suppress their protest.The demonstration led to heightened security and traffic disruptions around Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha, with vehicles slowing down near some entrances as police attempted to control the situation.The protest is part of the BJP’s ongoing campaign seeking Nagendra’s resignation, which has also caused disruptions in the Karnataka legislature in recent days.
