Bengaluru: Though the BJP has claimed that 22 of its workers or volunteers of Sangh Parivar have been killed in Karnataka under the Congress regime, Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy has dismissed the charges as ‘grossly exaggerated.’

“The BJP is exaggerating numbers of such incidents. Out of the total number of such deaths, 11 people belong to the Sangh Parivar and 6 to the PFI. The BJP, for political gains, has been claiming that 22 of its members have been killed,” Ramalinga Reddy told reporters here yesterday.

Reacting to BJP’s demand on banning PFI, Reddy conveniently passed the onus on to the Union Government. “The Central Government has the powers to ban any organisation that it deems fit. However, if PFI should be banned over allegations of being involved in murders of Hindu activists, should other organisations, responsible for the murder of PFI activists, also not be banned?” Reddy questioned.

Hindu organisations like Bajarang Dal and Sri Ram Sene and Muslim organisations like PFI and SDPI are crossing swords in the coastal district and spoiling peace and tranquillity. Details regarding these organisations are being collected and suitable action will be taken soon, he said.

“Political parties are responsible for patronising such communal organisations for political gain. Unfortunately, none of them were interested in re-establishing communal harmony in these districts. It is difficult for the Police to keep a watch on these organisations all the time, he said adding that Hindu and Muslim organisations are trying to settle scores even over minor provocation.

Replying to BJP’s allegation that the Congress was shielding PFI activists, Reddy dismissed it as baseless. “In fact, in Savanur Gram Panchayat, the BJP and PFI joined hands to capture power and to keep Congress at bay,” he recalled, claiming, “When murders take place they point fingers at each other, but join hands over certain issues.”