Karnataka BJP MLA apologises over WhatsApp message mocking Hindu Gods
Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP MLA Murugesh Nirani apologized on Tuesday after a WhatsApp message that allegedly mocked Hindu Gods was shared from his personal mobile number, sparking a controversy.
The screenshot of the message was telecast by some local news channels, which also showed Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar leaving the WhatsApp group after it was posted.
Nirani, a former Minister, later released a video statement tendering a public apology. He said the number was his.
However, he added that the message was not forwarded by him and hinted that it may have been done unintentionally by his personal assistant (PA).
"For the purpose of public relations, my PA and gunman use the number. Last night, the phone was with my PA. Due to negligence, the message that came from somewhere got forwarded, creating a hullabaloo. The mistake is a mistake, regardless of who committed it. It was not forwarded intentionally and those with me have apologized for the mistake. I apologize to the people of the state," he said.
Nirani, who represents Bilgi constituency, said he is tolerant of all religions and has never spoken lightly about religion or faith, adding, he had utmost respect and devotion in the 'Sanatana Dharma.
"As a Hindu, I am proud of my religion. This mistake happened because of my PA's indiscretion. People should not mistake me because of this...On behalf of my staff and my personal behalf, I once again apologize. Let this issue not continue further and create more confusion. I assure you that I will be careful going forward to make sure this doesn't happen again," he added.
Responding to a question on the issue, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly and Congress leader Siddaramaiah said Niriani should first clarify if he believes in God.
"Insulting God amounts to insulting every person who believes in God and causing pain to them," Siddaramaiah told reporters.
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AIITA welcomes Karnataka’s ban on obscene songs in school events
Bhatkal: The Karnataka unit of the All India Ideal Teachers Association (AIITA) has welcomed the Karnataka government’s decision to strictly ban school children from dancing to obscene songs during educational and cultural programmes in government, aided, and private schools across the state.
AIITA Karnataka State President M. R. Manvi congratulated the government for taking what he termed an important step to preserve the sanctity of education.
“Such decisions to safeguard the dignity of school children and uphold the values of education are the need of the hour. This rule should not be limited to government schools alone but must be strictly implemented in all private educational institutions as well,” he said.
He further urged the government to address other concerns within school programmes.
“The government should not only prohibit obscene dances in the name of school anniversaries, but also ensure that plays and dialogues that incite religious hatred are avoided. Schools should be centres of harmony, not platforms for spreading hatred,” he added.
According to a recent circular issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy, obscene dances are adversely affecting the mental health and moral values of students.
In this regard, schools have been advised to use songs that promote nationalism, positive thinking, the greatness of Kannada culture, and value-based traditions instead of inappropriate content during programmes.
The circular also emphasises that students should be dressed in decent attire.
AIITA also backed the department’s warning that disciplinary action would be taken against head teachers if such guidelines are violated. The association has further demanded that district Deputy Directors of Public Instruction strictly monitor the implementation of these rules.
