PFI leader' speech 'anti-national'; will take action, says Karnataka HM Basavaraj Bommai
Bengaluru, Feb 19: Terming a Popular Front of India (PFI) leader's speech as "anti national" and one with "hate", Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday said he has asked police to take necessary action.
He was reacting to a speech by PFI General Secretary Anis Ahmed on "Popular Front Day" at Ullal near the coastal city of Mangaluru on Thursday, during which he hit out at the BJP government at the Centre and RSS.
Alleging that PFI would continue to be targeted while terming its arrested workers as "heroes", Ahmed called on followers and Muslims to boycott those collecting money for Ram Mandir, like they did for NRC, as it was "RSS' Mandir and not that of Ram."
"(He) has spoken against the country, against the nation, against the Constitution. It is an anti-national speech, hate speech, which is trying to create division among people of this country. Especially, he has talked about RSS, which is one of the most patriotic organisations in the country," Bommai said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said the PFI leader had talked about the Ram Mandir, despite the Supreme Court giving permission for its construction.
"...PFI has shown its true colours so many times...it is the most anti-national and irresponsible statement. I have asked the local police to take cognisance of the whole thing and take action," the minister said.
Ahmed said none of those coming to the homes and shops asking for money for construction of the temple should be given anything.
"....don't give even a single paise...because this is not the mandir of Ram, it is the mandir of RSS. Not even a single brick will go into the Ram Mandir from Muslims' money," he said.
Stating that RSS was without any doubt India's "real enemy", Ahmed even termed it more dangerous than cancer and COVID.
"RSS is such a virus for which there is no vaccine yet. We will get that vaccine and administer it at various places," he said.
Noting that there was no Hindu-Muslim problem in India and the only one was that of RSS, the PFI leader called on the people to know who was from RSS in their district or Mandal.
"...know who is from RSS in your district and Mandal, just try to know, just recognise...they are your real enemies," he said.
Ahmed alleged that riots and attacks were taking place against Muslims in various parts of the country despite the Muslims "giving away" the Babri Masjid land for construction of the temple and hit out at the community's intellectual leaders who had advocated giving it away and called them "bewakoofs (fools)".
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Seers like Shivakumara Swami shape soul of society, nation: President Murmu
Tumakuru (Karnataka) (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said seers like Shivakumara Swami give shape to the soul of society and the nation, and their spiritual legacy continues to nourish the country even after their physical departure.
Known as 'Trivida dasohi' for his triple sacraments -- food, shelter and education -- among his followers, Shivakumara Swami was the pontiff of the renowned Siddaganga Math. He passed away at the age of 111 on January 21, 2019.
The President emphasised that diligence, public service, and national service are interlinked, and that spirituality provides a strong and enduring foundation for both public and national service.
Addressing the 119th birth anniversary and Guruvandana of the seer at Sree Siddaganga Math here, the President said, "I believe that seers like Shri Shivakumara Swamiji give shape to the soul of our society and our nation. His physical body merged into the supreme element in the year 2019, but his legacy continues to nourish society and the country."
Murmu said that the seer's life dedicated to the service of the poor and the deprived remained a unique example of expressing spirituality through welfare activities.
"He continued to enrich humanity for many years through his spiritual activity. His life dedicated to the service of the poor and the deprived, and expressing spirituality through welfare activities, is a unique example," she said.
Praising the activities of the Math, the President said, "It is said that through this Math, arrangements for free food, accommodation, and education are made for a large number of rural children, which is highly commendable."
Emphasising that education is the key to development, she said that providing education to deprived and poor children means building the future of the country and advancing the nation's development.
"I am especially pleased to know that from primary school to higher education in engineering and management, arrangements for education have been made by the Math. For this purpose, many educational institutions have been established," she said.
She also highlighted the healthcare initiatives associated with the institution. "I have also been told that the Sri Siddaganga Hospital, established by Shri Shivakumara Swamiji, provides excellent healthcare services to the general public," the President said and added that the Math carried forward a long tradition of service and spirituality.
Referring to the ideals of 12th century social reformer Basavanna, she said, "It is a matter of great happiness that today your spiritual institution is following the ideals of Prabhu Basavanna". She said that the example of a democratic system, based on a society free of discrimination and the participation of all, was presented centuries ago by Basavanna.
Lauding Karnataka, the President said that the state presented one of the most effective examples of public service, national service, spirituality and modern progress, and congratulated the people of the state for their contribution to nation-building.
Murmu said that by walking on the path of nation-building, altruism and dedication to duty, people could truly pay tribute to Shivakumara Swami.
"On this occasion associated with his sacred memory, we will all take a pledge that we will always remain active in enhancing the glory of Karnataka Mata and Bharat Mata," she said.
On the occasion of his Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Shivakumara Swami, recalling his remarkable contributions across education, social welfare and spirituality, which have left an enduring imprint on society.
"He (Swamiji) stands in collective memory as an embodiment of compassion, humility and unwavering service to humanity. Through a lifetime dedicated to uplifting others, he demonstrated that true greatness lies in serving others," PM Modi said in a post on 'X'.
The prime minister recalled that even today, Swami's life continues to guide and inspire countless individuals to walk the path of selflessness and service.
