Congress left red-faced after Karnataka corporator cries ‘love jihad’ behind daughter’s murder

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The tragic murder of a Karnataka corporator’s daughter has become a contentious issue, sparking a political showdown between the Congress and the BJP.

Neha Hiremath, a 23-year-old student, was stabbed multiple times by a former classmate, Fayaz Khondunaik, allegedly due to her rejection of his advances.

In CCTV footage from the college campus, the girl was seen being stabbed by Fayaz. Neha was taken to the hospital but was reportedly pronounced dead.

While the ruling Congress has portrayed the incident as a personal matter, the opposition BJP has seized on it as indicative of the state’s deteriorating law and order situation. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi even suggested a “love jihad” angle to the crime, alleging minority appeasement by the state government.

The victim’s father, Niranjan Hiremath, a Congress corporator, has also referred to the incident as a ‘Love Jihad’ case, claiming that the accused had plotted to harm his daughter.

In response, Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi criticised the Congress government in Karnataka, accusing it of failing to uphold law and order and ensure moral education in schools.

The Congress, on the other hand, defended the state’s law and order record and accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise the government by threatening Governor’s rule.

The situation has escalated with right-wing activists protesting outside police stations and demanding severe punishment for the accused, contributing to the polarisation surrounding the case.