Responsibility of majority to protect minorities in democracy: Prakash Raj in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: Veteran actor Prakash Raj emphasized the responsibility of the majority to protect the minority in a democracy while inaugurating a convention of citizen-centric Kannada groups organized by the 'Eddelu Karnataka' organization at 'Sahodaya' in Balmatta, Mangaluru on Monday.
Taking a dig at Prime Minister Modi for the electoral bonds scam, Prakash Raj criticized the alleged intimidation tactics used by the government against corrupt individuals. He highlighted the importance of raising awareness among the public regarding such issues and urged people to contemplate the implications of buying elected governments with money power.
Sharing his personal experience of an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid, Prakash Raj recounted being questioned for 13 hours without any incriminating evidence being found. He emphasized his commitment to honesty and integrity, stating that he is accountable to the trust placed in him by the people.
“Despite this, I have received a notice from Coimbatore court. I won’t be afraid over such matters. My honesty can’t be questioned. You need to be afraid of nothing if you are truthful and honest. I don’t have to bow my head in shame before my loving family. What matters in not my wealth, but the trust bestowed upon me. I am not the worker of any party, but I am pro-people. And I will always work to strengthen their trust”, he stated.
Reflecting on the BJP's loss in the last elections, Prakash Raj attributed it to the disruption of people's peace and patience. He commended the efforts of 'Eddelu Karnataka' in exposing the alleged anti-people stance of the government and urged them to continue their work in service of the people.
Reinterpreting the legend of Punyakoti for modern times, Prakash Raj urged the audience to embody the spirit of compassion and empathy by helping those in need.
Addressing the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, 'Eddelu Karnataka' State leader K L Ashok expressed confidence in their ability to secure victory. He highlighted the dedication of Prakash Raj and emphasized the importance of their contributions in shaping the election outcomes.
Reflecting on the inception of 'Eddelu Karnataka', 'Ashirvad Training Centre' Director Father Arun Louis highlighted the organization's commitment to humanity and its role in bringing about political change.
Moderator Yasin Shirur emphasized that 'Eddelu Karnataka' is neither a political organization nor a mouthpiece for any party, but rather stands for the welfare of the people.
Various speakers, including political leader P V Mohan and Jamat-e-Islami Hind state leader Muhammad Kunhi, addressed the gathering on different topics related to the region. Former DySP T C M Shareef presided over the event, while D K Lok Sabha candidate Padmaraj Ramaiah sought cooperation from all attendees. Writer M G Heggade and KPCC Secretary Inayath Ali were also present, with Nisar Ahmed moderating the proceedings.
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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
