K’taka: BJP slams Cong govt over decline in foreign tourist arrivals at Hampi
Bengaluru, Nov 24 (LatestNewsX) – Karnataka’s BJP unit has taken a strong stance against the state’s Congress administration, citing a dramatic drop in overseas visitors to Hampi, the country’s UNESCO‑listed jewel.
B.Y. Vijayendra, the party’s state president and an MLA, warned that: “Under this Congress‑led government in Karnataka, even Karnataka’s global identity is slipping away. Hampi is not just another destination. It is the pride of Karnataka and a global heritage monument. Today, it stands abandoned by a government that cannot even protect its own cultural treasures.”
He pointed out that the number of foreign tourists at Hampi fell from 20,080 last year to a mere 3,818 this year—an unprecedented plunge of more than 80 %—and blamed rising safety concerns, deteriorating upkeep, and a complete lack of infrastructure planning at one of the world’s most celebrated heritage sites.
Vijayendra argued that earthquakes of this magnitude do not happen by accident. “A fall of this scale does not happen by accident. It happens when a government is missing from the ground and its leadership is busy fighting for the CM chair instead of fighting for Karnataka’s progress. While the CM and Deputy CM remain consumed by their internal power struggle, Karnataka is sliding backwards on every front,” he charged.
He then listed a litany of grievances: “Tourism is neglected. Law and order has collapsed. Infrastructure is neglected. Investments are slowing down. Farmers and youth are left unheard. This Congress government has failed our State completely,” Vijayendra said.
The rhetoric erupted when, in March 2025, a horrific crime shook Koppal district. Four tourists staying at a local homestay—an American, an Israeli, and two Indians—were violently attacked while stargazing near the Tungabhadra Dam. The assailants demanded money; after a brief confrontation, they shoved the guests into the canal. The American and one Indian guest escaped, but a tourist from Odisha was swept away by the water and was found dead the next day near a hydel‑power park by Mallapura.
The attackers also assaulted the 29‑year‑old homestay owner, raping her and later assaulting the Israeli national. During the raid, they stole Rs 9,000 in cash along with the owner’s mobile phone. The incident sparked national outrage and added fuel to the BJP’s accusations that the Congress regime is failing to protect people and heritage alike.
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