BJP has no claim on entire Hindu society, Pramod Muthalik free to contest polls: KS Eshwarappa
Udupi, Mar 14: BJP leader K S Eshwarappa on Tuesday said the ruling BJP does not claim to have adopted the entire Hindu society, and pointed out that anyone has a right to contest in a democracy in light of Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Muthalik's decision to fight the upcoming Karnataka polls.
Speaking to reporters at the party's 'Vijaya Sankalpa Yatre' in Udupi, the former state minister said the ruling BJP is making all efforts to protect the interests of the Hindu community.
While reacting to a query on Muthalik's decision to contest from Karkala constituency in Udupi district, the BJP leader contended that everyone has a right to contest elections in a democratic setup.
"Muthalik may be a Hindu leader, but we have not adopted the entire Hindu society. Others also can take the initiative and people will decide and vote," he said.
On his controversial remark on 'Azaan' (Muslim call for prayer), Eshwarappa reiterated his stand, saying his views were that of the general public. "If Azaan is played four to five times a day at the time of examinations, how can the students focus on their studies," he said, claiming that his stand has received public support.
Eshwarappa, who is in charge of the 'Vijaya Sankalpa Yatre' in Udupi, said the Congress will fail in its efforts to win from the district where it drew a blank in the last elections.
He said former chief minister Siddaramaiah had never visited the famous Sri Krishna Math and temple at Udupi, though the Congress leader had attended many functions there as CM.
Udupi district-in-charge Minister S Angara, BJP Udupi district president Kuilady Suresh Naik and local MLA K Raghupati Bhat were present at the rally.
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Delhi airport incident: AI Express issues show cause notice to pilot
External inquiry panel to be set up
New Delhi (PTI): Air India Express will set up an external committee next week to inquire into the incident of one of its off-duty captain assaulting a passenger at the Delhi airport on Friday, sources said.
Soon after the incident on Friday, the Tata Group-owned airline suspended the pilot and the sources told PTI that a show cause notice has also been served to him seeking an explanation.
The proceedings are being carried under the labour laws as a pilot comes under the workmen category. An external inquiry committee will set up next week to probe the incident, the sources said.
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The incident occurred at Terminal 1 (T1) of the Delhi airport on Friday.
The passenger Ankit Dewan, on Friday, shared his experience in a social media post, along with a photo showing blood on his face after the altercation. He also shared a photo of the pilot Virender Sejwal.
On Saturday, the civil aviation ministry said it has taken serious cognizance of the incident and directed the airline to ground the pilot with immediate effect.
"A formal enquiry has been ordered. Detailed reports have been sought from BCAS and CISF," the ministry had said in a post on X in a response to a post by Dewan.
In a statement on Friday, Air India Express said it is aware of an incident at the Delhi airport involving one of its employees, who was travelling as a passenger on another airline, and had an altercation with another passenger.
"We unequivocally condemn such behaviour. The employee concerned has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, pending investigation.
"Appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated based on the findings of the inquiry," the airline had said.
Air India Express officials had also contacted the passenger.
