Cong MLA Nayana shares stage with Pramod Muthalik, sparks row with remark on party switch
Moodigere: A political controversy has erupted after Congress MLA Nayana Motamma was seen sharing the stage with Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Muthalik at a Ganesh Utsav event held at Adyantaya Ranga Mandira in Moodigere town on Tuesday.
The event was organised by the Public Shri Hindu Mahasabha Ganapati Seva Samiti for the release of a logo ahead of the festival.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Nayana Motamma said, “Wearing the saffron shawl is for Ganesha and my religion. My party workers have also accompanied me here. I was born a Hindu, a Dalit, and a woman. I’ve come here with that identity. Representing a political party as an MLA comes later. Today, I am here as the Ganapati Committee Chairperson. Whether I continue in Congress or join BJP, BSP, or SDPI – we will see after three years.”
She urged the public not to view the Ganapati celebration through a political lens. “Let us celebrate this festival in a grand way like Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja,” she said.
Her statement, especially the part about possibly changing political parties, has triggered sharp reactions on social media and among political circles. Several Congress leaders, party workers, and progressive groups expressed strong disapproval, stating that the comments undermine the efforts of the Congress cadre who worked hard to ensure her electoral success.
The fact that she shared the stage with Pramod Muthalik, a controversial figure often associated with the Sangh Parivar, has further intensified the backlash. Critics have called it an insult to the Congress leadership and party ideology.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Chairman M.K. Pranesh praised the unique approach taken this year to celebrate Ganesh Utsav. The event was presided over by Ganapati Seva Samiti President Anukumar.
Pramod Muthalik officially unveiled the festival’s logo during the programme.
Other dignitaries present included M.R. Jagadeesh, Halse Shivanna, Ranjan Ajith Kumar, Javaregowda, J.S. Raghu, H.D. Ramegowda, Vinod Kanachuru, Vinay Halekote, Sudheer, M.S. Sujith, advocate Siddayya, Patel Manju, and Vijay Kumar.
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Bengaluru: Four arrested for housebreaking, threats, extortion; fake PSI among accused
Bengaluru: Vidyaranyapura police have arrested four persons, including a man posing as a Police Sub-Inspector (PSI), for allegedly breaking into a house, threatening the occupants, and extorting money while wearing police uniforms.
The arrested accused have been identified as Mallikarjuna, Pramod, Vinay, and Hrithik.
Police said the accused had hatched a plan to pose as police personnel, conduct fake raids, and extort money from residents by intimidation.
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According to the police, Mallikarjuna had failed the PSI examination twice and later falsely projected himself as a PSI. He allegedly conducted photo shoots in his hometown, Siraguppa, wearing a police uniform, baton, cap, and shoes, claiming to be serving as a PSI in Bengaluru.
On December 7, the four accused allegedly went to the house of Naveen in the Vidyaranyapura limits, threatened him with a stick and an iron rod, and claimed they had information that he was selling ganja. Under the pretext of searching, they allegedly extorted ₹87,000 through bank transfer, ₹53,000 in cash kept in the house, and ₹2,000 from his wallet.
Following Naveen’s complaint, Vidyaranyapura police registered a case and launched an operation, leading to the arrest of all four accused. Police have seized ₹45,000 in cash and the car used to commit the crime.
Further investigation is underway.
