During the protest, VHP leader Shivananth Mendon criticised the state government for what he deemed a discriminatory approach. “It’s shocking that while action is taken against those promoting Hindu awareness, individuals insulting Hindu deities face no repercussions,” he remarked, calling it an unconstitutional violation of religious rights.
Dr Ullal, who recently participated in a newlywed couple's meeting in Kenya, was targeted for suggesting that Hindus marry within their community. “He didn’t demean any other religion; rather, he spoke about cultural preservation,” Mendon asserted, questioning the lack of freedom in discussing religious matters.
The VHP highlighted the irony of the situation, noting that while Ullal is being punished for promoting Hindu education, he was previously dismissed from a Christian college in Mangaluru along with 12 other Hindu lecturers. “This government’s actions are concerning and reflect a larger issue of bias,” Mendon lamented.
Arjun Madur, the Bajrang Dal's city coordinator, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the double standards of the Siddaramaiah-led government. “If cases are being filed against those who chant slogans for Bharat Mata, then the government clearly prioritises some voices over others,” he stated, stressing that the Hindu community stands united with Ullal in this fight.
Prominent leaders from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) included Pohlali Giriprakashta, head of the temple, temple management, and priest division; H K Purushottam, district president of VHP; Manohar Suvarna, vice-president; and important figures such as Krishnamurthy, Gopal Kuttaru, Narayana Kumpala, Ravi Asaigoli, Guruprasad Kadambaar, Shivaprasad Konaje, Kishan Taripadpu, along with leaders from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), including Nagesh Kumpala, Satish Kumpala, district president of BJP, and K Ravindra Shetty, vice-president. Jagadish Alva from Kuvettabailu, president of the district women’s wing Madhavi Ullal, youth wing president Murali Konaje, and prominent members like Chandrashekar Uccil, Lalitha Sundar, and Jagadish Shenava were also present.
Ashik Gopalakrishna, head of the VHP district publicity and outreach division, welcomed everyone and facilitated the proceedings. Arjun Maduru, city coordinator of Bajrang Dal, gave the opening remarks, while prominent member Hariprasad Kairangal expressed gratitude.