K'taka SC, OBC, minorities must note regressive parties' tie-up: Chidambaram on BJP-JD(S) alliance
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader P Chidambaram on Saturday took a swipe at the BJP and the JD(S) over their alliance and said the SC, ST, OBC, minorities and women of Karnataka must take note of this tie-up between "conservative, regressive and misogynist parties".
Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Janata Dal (Secular) decided to ally with the BJP following a meeting of H D Kumaraswamy with Home Minister Amit Shah and party president J P Nadda.
In a post on X, Chidambaram said, "The long-suspected secret is out. The BJP has officially welcomed the JD (S) into the NDA."
"The SC, ST, OBC, minorities and women of Karnataka must take note of this alliance between conservative, regressive and misogynist parties that want to preserve the old order," the former Union minister said.
After the JD(S) joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Congress on Friday had said the "B-team of the BJP" in Karnataka has officially become part of the coalition.
The BJP said the alliance will come as a boost to its prospects in the Lok Sabha polls and strengthen the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after it was sealed just months after the party was ousted by the Congress from its lone southern citadel in the May Assembly polls.
The long-suspected secret is out
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 23, 2023
The BJP has officially welcomed the JD (S) into the NDA
The SC, ST, OBC, Minorities and women of Karnataka must take note of this alliance between conservative, regressive and misogynist parties that want to preserve the old order
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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."
