BJP tears into K'taka govt over deportation of 'controversial' UK writer from B’luru airport

The Karnataka BJP unit has accused the Congress government of misusing taxpayers’ funds by inviting British academic Nitasha Kaul, who was deported from Bengaluru. Kaul, invited to speak at a conference by the Karnataka government, was denied entry and later deported to London. The BJP has criticized the Congress for allegedly supporting “anti-nationals” and “terrorist-sympathisers” to disrupt the country before the upcoming elections.

Nitasha Kaul, a controversial writer, was detained at KempeGowda International Airport in Bengaluru and sent back to London, despite having valid documents and an invitation from the Karnataka government. The BJP slammed the Congress for inviting Kaul, accusing them of challenging the Indian Constitution and threatening national unity.

Claiming that the Congress is using Karnataka as a testing ground for its divisive agendas, the BJP alleged that the state government is supporting elements that undermine national unity. Kaul, an OCI cardholder and writer based in London, expressed her disappointment at being denied entry to India and detained at the airport without a valid reason provided by immigration officials.

Kaul described her ordeal of spending hours at immigration, being held in a cell with restricted movement, and facing challenges in accessing basic amenities like a pillow and blanket during her deportation back to London. The BJP’s criticism of the Congress government’s actions has sparked a debate about the state’s role in supporting individuals with controversial views, leading to concerns about national security and unity.