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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Allahabad HC orders probe into 'reinstatement' of teacher in UP's Barabanki
Lucknow (PTI): The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered a probe by the special task force (STF) into alleged irregularities in the rejoining of a teacher at City Intermediate College in Barabanki, observing that the reinstatement appeared to be prima facie illegal.
The court also directed the recovery of the salary paid to the teacher during the disputed period.
A bench of Justice Rajeev Singh passed the order on a petition filed by the college management committee. The court expressed doubts over the roles of the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), Barabanki, the college principal and the teacher concerned and hence, directed a detailed inquiry into the matter.
Taking note of alleged manipulation of records and misleading submissions, the court ordered the immediate transfer of the Barabanki DIOS to ensure a fair probe. It also directed the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the then joint director of education of the Ayodhya division.
In its order, the court found that the teacher, Abhay Kumar, was initially appointed as an assistant teacher in 2018 but joined an Eklavya Model Residential School in Chhattisgarh as a lecturer in June 2024 without obtaining permission from the management. His subsequent request to retain the lien was rejected.
Despite this, he was allowed to rejoin the Barabanki College in September 2025 on the directions of the joint director of education and the DIOS, and was even paid the salary for October 2025. The court termed the rejoining "wholly illegal" and lacking any legal basis.
The bench also expressed concern over lapses in communication within the education department and directed the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary to ensure that official orders are communicated through email and WhatsApp as well, to prevent disputes.
The matter is next listed for hearing on May 28 when a compliance report is sought.
