DK Shivakumar defends right to peaceful protest in Karnataka

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has affirmed that the right to peaceful protest is a vital component of democracy and emphasized that there should be no double standards in its application.

His statement follows reports of a clash between protesters and media personnel during a demonstration in Bengaluru. Shivakumar noted that he has requested a full report regarding the circumstances that led to police intervention. He stated that if unnecessary force or excesses were used by the police, accountability will be established.

The Deputy Chief Minister clarified that the right to express dissent peacefully remains intact regardless of whether the disagreement is with the Election Commission, his government, or him personally. This comes amid political scrutiny regarding whether the state is upholding the same democratic standards demanded by the Congress party at a national level.