‘Why does BJP engage in caste politics in Kambala?’ asks Congress spokesperson
Mangaluru: State Congress spokesperson Pratibha Kulai said that ex-MUDA President Ravishankar Mijar falsely accused the district administration of disrespecting MLA Umanatha Kotian by not inviting him to a preliminary meeting on Pilikula Kambala. Mijar had also accused the administration of disrespecting the Billava Community, she said while questioning the purpose of engaging in caste politics in Kambala. She was addressing a press-meet at Mangaluru on Friday.
"It's not true that the district administration didn't invite MLA Umanatha Kotian [to the meeting]. DC had called the mobile phone of the MLA, he didn't pick up. Then the DC invited him via an SMS. The Kambala committee had also invited Umanatha Kotian", she said.
Accusing BJP of initiating no programs to develop Pilikula, Kulai said that the government was organizing Kambala to rejuvenate tourism at Pilikula. "Rather than co-operating in the event, BJP is engaged in doing caste politics unnecessarily", she added.
ALSO READ: Karnataka govt trying to curb Hindu festivals, alleges MP Kota Srinivas Poojary
Kulai questioned the silence of BJP when its own leader Jagadish Adhikari had spoken disrespectfully about Billavas, Koti-Chennaya and Janarshan Poojary. "He was not even removed from his post in the party. Didn't they have any care for the Billavas then?" she questioned.
The Congress Spokesperson also challenged Umanatha Kotian to disclose the amount of grant he brought to Pilikula. "The DC need not go to an MLA's house to invite him to every event, a phone call to inform [the legislator] is the protocol. What kind a mentality does an MLA have if he demands the DC to go to his house to invite?" she stated.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Mamata alleges BJP disrupted her Bhabanipur rally, Suvendu claims 'she's nervous'
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.
A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".
"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.
"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.
Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.
Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."
TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.
TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.
A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.
Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."
"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.
South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.
