Karnataka: BJP MLA warns anti-CAA protesters, ‘We are 80%, you are 15%’ 

Somashekhar Reddy, Karnataka’s Bharatiya Janata Party leader on Friday virtually threatened those protesting against the Citizenship Act and asked them to consider what will happen if people of the majority community come out on streets against them.

"Be careful because we are 80 per cent of the population while you are just 15 per cent. You are just a minority, and I want you to think what will happen if the majority comes out on the streets against you all," said BJP MLA Somashekar Reddy at a rally in north Karnataka's Ballari on Friday.

The BJP leader also claimed that Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya was right in terming those opposing the controversial law as puncturewallahs. "Tejasvi Surya spoke correctly. Most of those protesters are puncturewallahs and illiterates who believe whatever is said to them," he said.

Reddy also said that protesters who destroy public property in the state will be taught the "same lesson" like the one provided in Uttar Pradesh. "We are Indians, and we will teach you the same way the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister is teaching those who destroy public property in his state. It is good if those protesting the CAA are shot, but do come to a Hindu doctor if you are injured. He will treat your wound," news agency ANI quoted him as saying.

Several parts of Karnataka had witnessed violence during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in December 2019, with police shooting down two people in Mangaluru on December 19.