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.
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.
V.D. Satheesan elected as new Chief Minister of Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Celebrations erupted across Kerala on Thursday after V D Satheesan was selected by the Congress High Command as the next Chief Minister of the state.
Satheesan was at the Contonment House in Thiruvananthapuram, the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition, when AICC leaders announced it in New Delhi.
Soon after the announcement, jubilant Satheesan supporters burst firecrackers and distributed sweets in several parts of the state.
Paravur in Ernakulam district, the Assembly constituency he has represented since 2001, witnessed large-scale celebrations.
Satheesan was widely seen as the frontrunner for the post, with UDF allies also backing his candidature during the selection process.
As the Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Assembly, he led the UDF both inside and outside the House.
Apart from Satheesan, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala and Congress MP K C Venugopal were also considered for the post.
