BJP targets Siddaramaiah for "Muslim area" remarks, calls it "Jihadi mindset"
Bengaluru (PTI): Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah's statement asking "Why put Savarkar's photo in Muslim area?" has evoked sharp reaction from the ruling BJP, with its leaders terming it as "Jihadi mindset", and some even seeking to know whether such localities were part of Pakistan according to him.
The Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly on Tuesday, blaming the BJP for creating communal tension in the district headquarters town of Shivamogga on August 15, had raised questions about attempts by Hindu and BJP activists to install Savarkar's photo in a Muslim dominated area.
"They tried to put Savarkar's photo in a Muslim area. Let them put up whatever photo, no problem. But, why do that in a Muslim area? And, why did they say no to Tipu Sultan's photo?" he asked.
Lashing out at Siddaramaiah, a former Chief Minister, state BJP leaders have accused him of indulging in 'Muslim appeasement' and even demanded his expulsion from the Congress.
"What do you mean by Muslim Area? By periodically displaying a 'Jihadi mindset' you are proving to be more dangerous than the Jihadis who kill innocents," BJP National General Secretary C T Ravi said.
Challenging Siddaramaiah for a public debate on "Nationalist Veer Savarkar" and "Tyrant Tipu Sultan", he asked, "Dare to accept?"
Further calling it a mindset that instigates forces that want to divide the country, Ravi said, "does Muslim area mean Pakistan? It's a dangerous mindset. Siddarmaiah has to withdraw his statement."
Revenue Minister R Ashoka asked whether Siddarmaiah is of a thinking that Muslim-residing areas of this country belongs to Pakistan.
"Siddaramaiah seems to be in a confusion, does Muslim residential areas belong to Pakistan? It is part of India....Savarkar fought for the freedom of this country and was in Andaman (&) Nicobar jail for about 12-14 years. Should we ask the local community and put photos of national icons?" he said, adding that Congress has no morality to preach about where to install Savarkar's photo.
Senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa, hitting out at Siddaramaiah's remarks, said, "is that place his (Siddaramaiah) father's property? Whole of 'Bharatha' or Hindustan belongs to 'Bharateeyas'. There is nothing called Muslim-land in this country."
"There is not even an inch of land in this country that belongs to Muslims....are they playing a game? can anyone say anything?...Siddaramaiah is always in favour of Muslims and anti-nationals," he said, as he called the former CM's statement as anti -national and urged Congress president Sonia Gandhi to expel him from the party.
State BJP Vice President B Y Vijayendra said as India celebrate 75 years of independence, it's an irony that the Congress still finds itself tied to the "shackles of slavery celebrating a tyrant and a mass murderer like Tipu Sultan, and has no place for freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar".
"What is the compulsion to issue statement that the photo of our proud freedom fighter Veer Savarkar can't be displayed at Muslim areas. Is Shivamogga, according to you, located in an Islamic nation or in India?" he asked.
"Appeasement politics has been the main root cause for all communal disturbances that we are witnessing", Vijayendra, the son of former CM B S Yediyurappa said, adding that "Your statements have not only instigated and encourage the communal forces to indulge in violence, but also to disrespect our nation and the great freedom fighters." PTI KSU RS ROH
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Special prayers offered in churches of Udupi diocese in support of Armed Forces
Udupi: As directed by the Indian Catholic Bishops’ Council, special prayers, inclusive of special offerings, were held for the safety of the Indian Armed Forces and soldiers during the Sunday Mass at the churches under the Udupi diocese.
Bishop Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, who is on his official annual visit, performed a special prayer service at St. Joseph's Church in Belman, Karkala taluk, and offered prayers for the soldiers serving the country. He also offered a special adoration in the name of the new Pope Leo XIV.
The Bishop, addressing the gathering at the prayer service, said that there was severe tension in the Indo-Pak border giving rise to fear of declaration of war. “As our soldiers guard the borders for the welfare of the entire nation and putting their lives at risk, we pray every day for their well-being. We should stand in support of our soldiers to boost their self-confidence,” he added.
“Pope Leo XIV has called for peace in the entire world and asked the citizens of all nations to cooperate for this by opting for discussion rather than war. We too should remember his message always and both nations should strive for strengthening of peace,” he added.
Church Pastor Fred Mascarenhas, Assistant Pastor Arnold Matthias and Karkala Christ King Church Pastor Clement Mascarenhas were present at the event.
