Bengaluru, Dec 3 (Reporter) Karnataka BJP president Vijayendra Yediyurappa has criticised the Congress-led state government for registering an FIR against Vishwa Vokkaliga Mahasamsthana Math seer Chandrashekar Swami over his controversial remarks related to the Waqf properties issue. Speaking to reporters on Monday after his visit to the seer, Vijayendra explained that during a protest against the Waqf issue, Swamiji had made certain statements. He noted that notices had been issued to farmers, mutts, and temples, and suggested that the intent behind the comments was understandable, especially given that Swamiji had been upset and expressed his views forcefully. "Filing an FIR against Swamiji was unnecessary, particularly after the seer had clarified his remarks. The state's decision to proceed with the FIR as unfortunate and added that he had met with Swamiji to offer full support," he said. The FIR was registered following Chandrashekar Swami’s controversial suggestion during the Waqf row that a law be enacted to strip the Muslim community of voting rights. However, the seer later retracted the statement, calling it a "slip of the tongue." In a related development, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar criticised the controversial remarks made by Vishwa Vokkaliga Mahasamsthana Math seer Chandrashekar Swami, which were later retracted. Speaking at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar expressed his satisfaction over the seer's apology, stressing that everyone in a democracy has the right to vote and that issues of caste and religion should not be involved in such matters. Shivakumar also took aim at Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, accusing him of hypocrisy. He pointed out that when former minister Channigappa filed a case against Balagangadharanatha Swami, Ashoka had remained silent, despite the Swamiji having done no wrong. Shivakumar warned that Ashoka's actions could provoke backlash from the Vokkaliga community, implying that they would not forgive him for his stance...////...