Bengaluru: BJP in a fix after MPs share space with rowdy

BENGALURU: BJP found itself in a spot when videos of rowdy-sheeter 'Silent' Sunil sharing the stage with party MPs Tejasvi Surya and PC Mohan were widely shared on Monday. Sunil, who was absconding when city police raided his house five days ago, is reportedly involved in more than a dozen criminal cases, including murder and extortion.
He was photographed with Surya and Mohan, who represent constituencies in the city, on Sunday at a blood donation camp in Chamarajpet. The event was organised by the rowdy-sheeter himself under the banner of a private organisation with support from Rashtrotthana Blood Bank.
While Bengaluru South MP Surya left immediately after the inauguration, his Bengaluru Central counterpart, Mohan, was seen standing next to Sunil while interacting with reporters.
Lambasting BJP, Congress functionaries tweeted: "Police have become silent in front of Rowdy Sunil, thanks to BJP's support. All the wanted criminals are joining BJP as wanted leaders. Earlier, there were white-collar rowdies in BJP and now real rowdies are joining the party. Perhaps, in the future, even the dreaded underworld don Dawood Ibrahim might also join BJP and cleanse himself from all charges."
Asked if he nurtured political ambitions, Sunil told reporters: "If I get a chance, I will consider it... I am here at the blood donation drive organised as part of Kannada Rajyotsava and paying tribute to Puneeth Rajkumar [late actor]." Sources say BJP and regional outfit JD(S) were mounting pressure on Sunil to enter the poll fray and take on incumbent BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan of Congress in Chamarajpet assembly constituency.
While Surya could not be reached for comment, Mohan told TOI: "I was invited to the blood donation camp which was aimed at benefiting the poor. It was supported by Rashtrotthana Parishat's blood bank and my colleague Surya was also on the list of dignitaries. But after attending the event and getting to know about his antecedents I and Surya immediately regretted sharing space on the dais with the person."
Asked how a rowdy being pursued by police could attend a function with political leaders amidst police security, city police commissioner CH Pratap Reddy said: "There is no restriction on anyone from moving in the public." On police having stated on November 23 that Sunil was absconding, Reddy said: "I will speak to my officers and find out."