JD(S)-BJP alliance: Minister Priyank Kharge suggests dropping of 'secular' word from party name
Bengaluru: A day after the JD(S) officially joined hands with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), hitting out at their action minister for Rural development, Panchayat Raj and IT & BT Minister suggested that the JD(S) should write to the Election Commission of India to officially rename themselves from Janata Dal Secular to Janta Dal, dropping the term secular from its official name.
While addressing reporters here, Kharge expressed his opinion that the JD(S) should consider removing the term 'secular' from its name, following the party's alliance with the BJP, which he accused of being the "most communal party" in India's post-independence history.
He further explained that the JD(S) party’s decision to join the NDA was not unexpected, as it had become evident that the BJP's central leadership had lost faith in the state leadership following the elections in Karnataka.
In the meantime, Kharge assured that the Congress party will emerge victorious at the state’s Lok Sabha seats.
The Janata Dal Secular announced the alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday, officially joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
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Chandrashekhar Swamiji apologises for remark on denying voting rights to Muslims
"If my statement has upset our Muslim brothers, I deeply regret it."
Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."
In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.
The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."
The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
