Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], January 14 (ANI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday hit back at the BJP after the opposition party in the state announced a protest against the 'deterioration of law and order', stating that they are 'jealous' of the Congress winning the Valmiki and ST seats.

Speaking to ANI, DK Shivakumar accused the BJP of creating law-and-order problems in the state.

He said, 'If there is any law and order problem, it is only because of them. They were jealous that we got all the Valmiki seats, all the ST seats for the Congress party. They want to disturb the peace. That's why they are making all this an issue. Let them do whatever they want. Let them walk from Ballari to Delhi. The law will take its course.'

Earlier today, State BJP President BY Vijayendra announced a statewide protest, led by BJP leaders Sriramulu and Janardhana Reddy.

Speaking to reporters, Vijayendra said the party has organised a struggle in Bellari on January 17 against the 'deterioration of law and order' in the state.

'Sriramulu and Janardhana Reddy are coming on the 17th. There is a state-level struggle. The party has decided to take up all the issues of the state government's failures and corruption and fight across the state. Law and order have deteriorated, so a struggle has been organised in Bellari on the 17th,' he stated.

'The BJP has come to the opinion that it is good to march, and today or tomorrow, Delhi leaders will give the green signal,' the state president said.

Meanwhile, when asked about his meeting with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi at the Mysuru Airport, DK Shivakumar dismissed the speculation around a discussion on a leadership change in the state.

He said, 'He is our leader, and it is my duty to meet him, receive him, and exchange thoughts. There is nothing more to it.'

DK Shivakumar, on Tuesday, received Rahul Gandhi at the airport, which sparked speculation around him having talks on the power tussle in the state. However, earlier today, Shivakumar clarified that there were no discussions regarding a change in the Chief Ministership.

Speaking to the reporters, DK Shivakumar said, 'I am Karnataka's Congress President, and he is the leader of the opposition. These meetings and talks are as per protocol; all this cannot be discussed in public... There are no such discussions (CM change). Rahul Gandhi has asked us to continue the good work, and we will work accordingly.'

He added, 'On January 16, I will be going to Delhi.' (ANI)