JD(S) to file contempt petition against BJP for holding bandh

Assailing the BJP for sponsoring today's Karnataka bandh, JD(S) said it would file a contempt petition saying the protest violated the Supreme Court's order banning shut-downs.

The bandh called by the ruling BJP went against the apex court order, former prime minister and JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda told reporters here.

The bandh call was given by BJP to protest governor HR Bhardwaj's sanction for prosecution of chief minister BS Yeddyurappa in alleged land scams.

Gowda said JD(S) would also file a suit to claim damages from BJP for any loss of public or private property during the bandh. He said his party would continue its fight against the Yeddyurappa government till it resign.

Main opposition Congress also lashed out at the BJP for sponsoring the state-wide bandh and alleged police force was used to ensure business establishments down their shutters.

In several places, BJP workers created trouble and blocked roads defying prohibitory orders imposed by police, opposition leader Siddaramaiah alleged.

The attitude of the BJP demonstrated its "fascist" nature and the government should be dismissed forthwith, he said.