Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Aug 6: Shubad Rao, spokesperson for Karkala block Congress, has demanded the resignation of Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar over the Parashurama Bronze Statue controversy, accusing him of deceiving the public for electoral gains. Rao made these accusations during a press meet held on August 6.
In the press meet organized at the Congress office, Rao criticized BJP leaders for their recent appeal to the Deputy Commissioner, calling it a ploy to mislead the public. He condemned the alleged abuse of Congress leader Muniyal Udaykumar Shetty, warning that the BJP would face the wrath of Lord Parashurama’s curse. “The BJP leaders are speaking out of desperation and are making unfounded statements,” said Rao.
Highlighting the controversy over the construction materials used in Sunil Kumar’s development office, Rao referred to the ‘not-for-sale’ cement scam. He also mentioned that Mahaveer Hegde, president of the constituency BJP, was removed from the party office after being involved in a phone tapping scandal, a politically significant issue that has not been forgotten.
Rao further stated, “Naveen Nayak, President BJP mandala, is ineligible to continue as president. It was the BJP that leaked the video footage of Parashurama’s idol being carried away.” He challenged the BJP to identify those responsible for the video leak, which has yet to be resolved.
Accusing the BJP of using the name of Lord Parashurama to deceive the public with a fake statue, Rao warned that the curse of the deity would soon affect them. He challenged Sunil Kumar to come to the Mariyamma temple in Bailoor and take an oath to prove the authenticity of the statue. Rao asserted that if Kumar proves the statue is indeed authentic, the Congress would cease further criticism on the matter.
Muniyal Udaykumar Shetty, a Congress leader, addressed the media during the press meet. He stated, “We have not harmed any religious or social system. Sunil Kumar, who entered the political arena with the Suchet murder case, remains unresolved even after 20 years. The people of the constituency have not forgotten that the then MLA Gopal Bhandari’s family members were placed in the position of accused.”
Muniyal claimed that sculptor Krishna Nayak, by invoking caste and religion, was creating political issues with the Parashurama statue controversy, driven by political motives. He refuted the BJP's accusations.
Regarding the cement scam, Muniyal stated, “Mahaveer Hegde had suggested using this issue politically against Sunil Kumar. Today he himself is criticizing my attire in public.” He questioned if he would need Hegde’s permission to wear clothes in the future.
Muniyal asserted that Sunil Kumar would not be able to win any legislative assembly constituency in the upcoming elections. “Sunil Kumar is trying to escape the controversy surrounding the Parashurama statue and he is damaging the integrity of Hinduism for political gain.”
“If he is a sworn politician, he should come and take oath in the presence of Mariamma in Bailur. He should swear that the Parashurama statue is made of bronze. If he accepts this, we will not make any further criticism,” said Muniyal.
Muniyal challenged BJP members to come and lay siege in front of his house if they have the ability.
Chandra Pal Nakre, district spokesperson, Ajith Kumar Mala, vice president of the block Congress, Taranath Kotian Miyaru, member of the Land Justice Board, Vivekanada Shenoy, secretary of the block Congress, Dinesh Hebri, leader of Hebri Youth Congress, and others were present.