Bengaluru: BJP’s Tejasvi Surya Heckled, Forced To Leave Campaign By Raghavendra Bank Scam Victims

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya found himself embroiled in a contentious situation on Monday during an election campaign event in Bengaluru. He was allegedly heckled by victims who lost money in the multi-crore scam of the Guru Raghavendra Sahakara Bank Niyamitha, a co-operative bank based in Basavangudi. The incident occurred during his attempt to address constituents.

Unrest at the Event

Visuals captured during the event showed Tejasvi Surya being escorted out of the venue by his security detail while arguing with several investors who approached him seeking answers. The affected investors were demanding explanations for the delay in compensating them for their losses due to the alleged scam.

The Karnataka Congress quickly shared a video of the disruption at the meeting on the microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter), alleging that Surya had once again escaped through an “Emergency Exit Door.” They further accused Surya of arrogance and urged voters to hold him accountable.

Tejasvi Surya’s Office Responds

Tejasvi Surya’s office issued a clarification regarding the event, stating that “a few hooligans” sent by the Congress party had created a ruckus at the meeting. According to the statement, one of the individuals causing disruption was identified as a Congress worker rather than a depositor, suggesting that the interruption was orchestrated for political reasons.

The statement further claimed that some individuals involved in the ruckus were making video calls to Congress local leader Shankar Guha for instructions on how to escalate the chaos.

Context of the Alleged Scam

The multi-crore scam involving the Guru Raghavendra Sahakara Bank Niyamitha has left many investors in distress, as they faced substantial financial losses. The affected investors have been seeking answers and solutions for their situation, putting pressure on political figures such as Tejasvi Surya to provide clarity and support.

Political Implications

This incident has potential political ramifications, especially during election season. Tejasvi Surya’s reputation and relationship with his constituents could be impacted depending on how the situation is perceived by voters. Additionally, the accusations and counter-accusations between Surya’s office and the Karnataka Congress highlight the charged atmosphere and political divisions in the region.

The incident involving Tejasvi Surya at the election campaign event in Bengaluru underscores the heightened tensions and challenges facing politicians as they navigate the complex landscape of local politics. It also brings attention to the ongoing struggles faced by investors who have lost money in the Guru Raghavendra Sahakara Bank Niyamitha scam. How this situation develops and its impact on the election remains to be seen.