Davanagere (Karnataka), April 7 (NationPress) BJP MLA BP Harish has condemned Karnataka's Forest and Ecology Minister Eshwar Khandre, accusing him of misleading the constituents of Davanagere by advocating for the Congress candidate from Davanagere South.

During a press briefing on Tuesday in Davanagere, Harish criticized the Akhila Bharat Veerashaiva Mahasabha, alleging that the organization is now swayed by affluent individuals, Congress-affiliated Veerashaivas, and elites.

He asserted that false information was disseminated at a meeting for the Veerashaiva community held on April 6. Harish claimed that the Mahasabha was being exploited for unethical practices and to pressure political entities into securing ministerial roles.

“This organization has done nothing for the impoverished Veerashaivas,” he stated.

Harish further commented that Khandre’s recent press conference seemed defensive. He pointed to an industrial establishment owned by the father of Congress candidate Samarth Mallikarjun, alleging that untreated waste from a sugar factory and distillery was being dumped straight into the Tungabhadra River.

He questioned the appropriateness of Khandre, who is also responsible for the Pollution Control Board as Forest Minister, supporting such a candidate.

“Ash and dust are settling on farmers’ fields, harming their crops,” Harish remarked, adding that the minister provided “misleading information” during an Assembly session when the matter was discussed.

Harish challenged claims about contributions to the educational sector in Davanagere, stating that the establishment of educational institutions was primarily achieved through the efforts of philanthropists from families like Rajanalli and Ajjampur.

He alleged that credit for founding Chigateri Hospital was mistakenly given to the late Shamanur Shivashankarappa, who is the grandfather of Samarth Mallikarjun.

Harish made personal accusations, stating that while Veerashaivas are supposed to adhere to vegetarian practices, members of Shivashankarappa’s family have engaged in hunting animals, including blackbucks.

“Not even 15 percent of vegetarianism is practiced in their household,” he claimed, questioning whether this aligns with the community's values.

He contended that a politician should not occupy the position of national president of the Mahasabha, emphasizing that such a role needs to be independent to ensure fairness for the community. He alleged that the organization does not represent ordinary Veerashaivas.

Discussing institutions like medical and engineering colleges and Bapuji Educational Institutions in Davanagere, Harish stated that the public knows their origins and subsequent governance. He accused Shivashankarappa of marginalizing family members while centralizing authority within his household. He further alleged that district leadership had excluded even close relatives from institutional responsibilities.

Harish claimed that Minister Mallikarjun had sidelined family stakeholders and taken control over shared assets. He noted that significant institutions in the region were not the result of a single individual but were built through contributions from various families.

He also criticized the establishment of a distillery in the area, claiming it has negatively impacted poor women, while accusing Khandre of misrepresenting it as an achievement.

District BJP president Rajashekar Veeresh and party leaders Vijendra, DT Avinash, PS, and Vishwas were present at the press conference.