Congress calls out Bajrang Dal activists receiving arms training in Karnataka

After images and videos of Bajrang Dal activists engaged in arms training went viral on social media, Congress slammed the Hindu organisation and the ruling BJP party.

Congress leader Siddaramaiah said Bajrang Dal has challenged the law of the land by giving arms training to youngsters. "Do we have a Home minister or Education minister in Karnataka? Is the government still alive?"

He pointed out that"MLAs M.P. Appachu, K.G. Bopaiah, and Suja Kushalappa participated in the Shaurya Prashikshana Varga event of Bajrang Dal". The opposition party leader asked if these representatives have any commitment to the Indian constitution. Pointing out that arms training is against the law, he called the Home Minister of Karnataka to take action against the Hindutva organisation's leaders.

The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and Popular Front of India (PFI) also filed complaints against arms training programmes.

Bajrang Dal had organised a training camp from May 5 to 11 on the government school premises of Ponnampet town in the Madikeri district. The participants were also in a procession on May 10. After the photos of air gun training went viral on social media, the Bajrang Dal said they did not violate any laws.

Former speaker and BJP leader K.G. Bopaiah said ar guns and tridents do not come under the Arms Act. "No license is required for it. There is a need for gun training for self-defence. The training has been given for a long time". BJP General Secretary and MLA C.T. Ravi said the camp was part of a self-defence course. "It was to build mental and physical resilience".

The police have launched an investigation into the matter and sought a report from the Education Department about such an event being held on school grounds.