Pejavar Mutt seer says his remarks on Constitution 'misquoted' by media
Udupi (Karnataka) Dec 2: Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji of Sri Pejavar Mutt, a trustee of the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Theerth Kshetra Trust, has clarified that his remarks on the Indian Constitution had been "misquoted" by the media.
He asserted that he never called for a change in the Constitution and reiterated his respect for its principles.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Sunday, the seer expressed disappointment over what he called "misinformation" and said Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's remarks on the issue had caused unnecessary confusion.
"I respect the Constitution and have never supported any initiative against its spirit," he said.
Controversy arose following his address at a 'Saints' Conference' organised by the Karnataka unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Bengaluru on November 23, where he reportedly called for a Constitution that honours the interests of the majority.
CM Siddaramaiah had responded, terming it a demand for constitutional change.
The seer clarified that the memorandum submitted to Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot after the conference did not mention any changes to the Constitution. He urged the media to verify statements and avoid spreading misinformation.
Criticising the CM, the seer said, "Siddaramaiah, as CM, should have made a responsible statement. I only demanded governments be inclusive and treat all citizens equally. Minority appeasement must stop."
He also alleged that certain groups are targeting him for supporting Hindu causes, but asserted, "No one can suppress the voice of Hindus."
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Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
