Moodabidri, October 31: Singer and ‘Asha Kiran melodies’ founder and Beary Sahithya Academy member P.M Hasanabba of Moodabidri was given the district Rajyotsava award.

He is dramatist, Music composer, Director and released two music albums in Beary language.

He also acted in a Beary film and written script for 'Sahana Nammurda Ponnu'. He got the second place in 'Hadigondu Haadu' organised by the ETV Kannada in 2016.

He has been conducting Karaoke music competition for last many years at Moodabidri. He has got the first place since nine years continuously in Eid Milad singing competition being conducted in Katipalla masjid. His plays 'Madme Masanodu', and 'Sumangala' have got prizes in district level.

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Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."

In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."

He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.

The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."

The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."