NewsFlash Daily™
21 April 
Congress leaders have announced a large silent march in Dharwad on April 25 in support of MLA Vinay Kulkarni after his conviction in the Yogish Gowda murder case
Hubballi: The political temperature in Karnataka has sharply risen after the Congress party decided to stand firmly behind Vinay Kulkarni, who was recently convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in the high-profile Yogish Gowda murder case.
Congress leaders have now planned a massive silent procession on April 25 in Dharwad to express solidarity with the jailed MLA and protest what they describe as a politically motivated verdict.
Late-Night Strategy Meeting in Hubballi
The decision was reportedly taken during a late-night meeting held at the Congress office on Karwar Road in Hubballi on Monday.
The meeting was led by Hubballi-Dharwad Rural Congress President Anil Kumar Patil, along with senior district leaders and party workers.
Leaders discussed the roadmap for the upcoming protest and resolved to mobilise supporters in large numbers.
Silent March to Deputy Commissioner’s Office
As per the plan, Congress workers and supporters will hold a silent rally up to the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Dharwad.
“The verdict is being viewed by party leaders as politically driven.”
Background of the Yogish Gowda Murder Case
The case dates back to June 15, 2016, when BJP leader and district panchayat member Yogish Gowda was brutally murdered inside a gym in the Saptapur area of Dharwad.
Initially, the killing was portrayed as linked to a property dispute. However, a later investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reportedly concluded that the murder was politically motivated.
After a prolonged legal process, a special court for elected representatives on April 17, 2026, convicted Vinay Kulkarni and 16 others, sentencing them to life imprisonment.
Appeal Against Verdict Under Preparation
Legal teams representing Vinay Kulkarni are now reportedly preparing to challenge the judgment before a higher court.
Meanwhile, Congress appears determined to fight the matter politically as well as legally.
