Bengaluru: Former Congress member and ex-MLC G Raghu Achar joined the Janata Dal (Secular) on Friday in Bengaluru. The move came after Achar was denied a ticket to contest the upcoming Assembly elections from Chitradurga.

A formal event was held at the JP Bhavan, where Achar was welcomed into the JD(S) by party supremo HD Kumaraswamy and JD(S) State President CM Ibrahim.

Hundreds of Achar’s supporters were also present at the event. The former MLC had expressed his desire to contest from Chitradurga, but the Congress had chosen to field KC Veerendra for the polls this year, much to Achar’s disappointment.

With his induction into the JD(S), Achar will be hoping to revive his political career and make a mark in the upcoming elections.

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Davanagere: Sri Rama Sene national president Pramod Muthalik has accused the state government of using the proposed Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill to target Hindus and to suppress Hindutva organisations and their leaders.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Muthalik said the Sene opposes the Bill. According to him, the government is bringing this legislation only to appease Muslim voters while selectively targeting Hindu voices.

He questioned whether it is wrong to speak against cow slaughter when the ban is already in force but violations still occur in many places. “Is it wrong to raise awareness among Hindus about love jihad? Is it wrong to oppose illegal construction of churches, mosques or encroachments on cremation grounds? Is objecting to religious conversions wrong?” he asked.

Muthalik alleged that the Bill attempts to silence anyone who questions or protests such issues. He said the move goes against the spirit of the Constitution framed by Dr B.R. Ambedkar and is aimed at weakening the Hindu community.

He urged BJP and JD(S) MLAs to strongly oppose the Bill in the upcoming session and ensure it does not get passed. The organisation will submit memorandums to all legislators and mount pressure, he added.

During the press meet, Muthalik tore copies of the Bill in protest. Leaders of Sri Rama Sene including Parashuram Nadavinamani, Yashavanth, Sridhar and Madhu were present.