Is Congress Fueling Communal Tensions in Mangaluru?

Bengaluru, May 29 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has accused the Congress-led government of "aiding and abetting" communal discord in the coastal city of Mangaluru.

Speaking to reporters at the BJP headquarters in Bengaluru on Thursday, state President B.Y. Vijayendra remarked on the ongoing turmoil in Mangaluru, asserting, “This Congress-led administration under CM Siddaramaiah seems to take pleasure in appeasing the minority community. There is no genuine concern for upholding law and order in the state.”

“The recent developments are evidently intended to deepen communal rifts, with the state government facilitating and encouraging unrest,” Vijayendra claimed.

Elaborating on the situation in Mangaluru, he stated, “When Home Minister G. Parameshwara visited Mangaluru, he was confronted by members of a specific community who opposed his intention to meet the family of the slain Hindu activist Suhas Shetty. They surrounded the minister and warned him against visiting Shetty’s home. Consequently, he departed without meeting the family.”

Mangaluru has recently experienced a series of violent incidents, including a mob lynching, two murders, and multiple stabbings, all linked to communal tensions. Authorities have enforced prohibitory orders across the region until the evening of May 30.

Vijayendra cautioned the Congress government regarding the filing of cases against BJP leaders and workers, stating, “The state administration must halt its intimidation of our leaders and cease filing cases against our party members. This serves as a warning to them.”

Addressing a recent protest in Kalaburagi, Vijayendra noted, “We successfully protested in Kalaburagi against the state government and in-charge Minister Priyank Kharge. The demonstration was aimed at denouncing the unlawful detention of the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, who was confined at a guest house in Chittapur. Local Congress leaders reportedly attempted to assault him.”

He continued, “During the protest, our MLC N. Ravikumar made an unfortunate remark regarding the Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner. He later expressed regret, clarifying that it was unintentional. Even after his apology, a police complaint was lodged and an FIR was registered against him, allegedly with the Congress party's implicit backing.”

“They are attempting to tarnish Ravikumar’s reputation and intimidate him. This will not enhance the Congress government’s integrity. If they were sincere, they would have filed an FIR against the Congress leaders who unlawfully detained Dalit leader Narayanaswamy,” he stated.

“They should also investigate why relevant officials ignored the incident. Instead, the Congress party is targeting the Backward Class and Dalit leaders of the BJP. However, BJP leaders will not be intimidated by these tactics,” Vijayendra declared.

“I want to caution the state government that their tenure will not last indefinitely. The opposition deserves respect. It is the responsibility of the ruling party to treat opposition leaders with dignity. Their days in power are limited; a suitable response will come soon,” he added.

When questioned about actor Kamal Haasan's controversial statement, Vijayendra replied, “I appreciate Kamal Haasan’s admiration for the Tamil language. However, it is unacceptable to diminish the Kannada language while expressing such views.”

“Tamil boasts a rich history that spans thousands of years, and so does Kannada. His comments have offended the sentiments of Kannada speakers. Furthermore, his refusal to apologize despite facing backlash demonstrates arrogance,” he stated.

“Kamal Haasan should exercise more caution. As a prominent actor nationwide, he should not incite hostility between the Tamil and Kannada communities,” Vijayendra warned. Kamal Haasan had remarked that the Kannada language originated from Tamil.