BJP to decide Channapatna by-election candidate after talks with JD(S)
Bengaluru: BY Vijayendra, President of the Karnataka State Unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), announced that the party would decide on its candidate for the upcoming by-election in the Channapatna constituency after discussions with its ally, the Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)]. The by-election is necessary due to the resignation of HD Kumaraswamy, the JD(S) State President, who stepped down as an MLA after winning the Lok Sabha seat from Mandya.
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Speaking to reporters on Friday, Vijayendra noted that Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar had shown interest in contesting from Channapatna. He emphasized that the ultimate decision rests with the voters, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of electoral outcomes. He referenced the recent defeat of DK Suresh, Shivakumar’s brother and former Congress MP, in the Bangalore Rural constituency during the Lok Sabha polls, despite the Congress's confidence in securing an easy win.
When questioned about BJP MP BP Harish’s comments attributing the party’s defeat in the Davanagere constituency to veteran BJP leader BS Yediyurappa and Vijayendra himself, the BJP President stated that such remarks are unproductive for both the party and the BJP-JD(S) coalition.
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Chandrashekhar Swamiji apologises for remark on denying voting rights to Muslims
"If my statement has upset our Muslim brothers, I deeply regret it."
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."
