Gauri Lankesh’s murder: People speaking against BJP-RSS are pressured, killed, says Rahul Gandhi | Top reactions

The senior journalist Gauri Lankesh’s murder in Bengaluru has sparked a row and many political leaders are condemning the heinous act.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi blamed BJP-RSS for the incident. He said that anybody who speaks against ideology of BJP-RSS is pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed.

Rahul informed that he also spoke to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and mentioned that people who did this must be caught and punished.

Siddaramaiah said that he instructed Police that activists propagating progressive thoughts should be given Police protection.

Here are the top reactions:

# Rahul Gandhi:

Spoke to CM (of Karnataka) and mentioned that people who did this must be caught and punished. Anybody who speaks against ideology of BJP-RSS is pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed.

# Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah:

Similar weapons used in Kalburgi, Pansare & Dabholkar killings, in this case we don't know yet so can't draw link. Instructed Police that activists propagating progressive thoughts should be given Police protection. Left it to DGP who will speak to Home Minister and decide on it. She met me recently but never spoke about any threats. 2 people posted something on Facebook (against Gauri Lankesh) and we are questioning them. I cannot say yet if it was a part of a conspiracy. Instructed case must be taken seriously and be investigated by special team. Constituted SIT headed by senior officer. It is true that it is an organised crime, let the Police look into it.

# DV Sadananda Gowda:

Karnataka Government should hand over the case to CBI.

# Karnataka Law Minister TB Jayachandra:

There must be some conspiracy behind. We can't rule out that it is like Kalburgi issue. Investigation will go on. I am in touch with home minister and officials.

# Nitin Gadkari:

Baseless allegation we have nothing to with Gauri Lankesh's murder, onus to maintain law & order is on state government, that is Cong. It is shameful because PM is of the country, he does not belong to any party.

# Editor's Guild of India:

Deeply shocked and strongly condemn the murder of Gauri Lankesh, senior journalist and Editor, Lankesh Patrika. Her killing is an ominous portent for dissent in democracy and brutal assault on freedom of the press. Demand that Karnataka Govt act with alacrity to bring culprits to justice apart from instituting judicial probe.