Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Jun 24: “Dakshina Kannada is a place where people of different religions, castes, and sects live peacefully. We can also find many people who are economically and socially backward and it is our responsibility to provide social justice and equality. Giving importance to social harmony is very essential,” said B Ramanath Rai, addressing the gathering at a felicitation programme organized by the Muslim Central Committee (R) Udupi and Dakshina Kannada district, at the Town Hall on Sunday June 23.

He also said, “God has given us birth in different communities, religions and sects but no one has been born by submitting an application requesting to get birth in a particular community, caste, or religion. Basically I was born in a place where people gave more importance to religious harmony.”

“Congress party is the only secular party which has given social justice to all communities, religions, castes. Hence, Congress is my religion. Congress is the only ideological party which has shown its concept of secular politics by providing opportunity to people of all communities,” he said. Without naming any party, Rai said, “Today, there is one party which has failed to provide any opportunity in politics to minorities or the backward class in places like Hassan, Tumkur, and Mandya but it calls itself a secular party.”

Slamming moral policing, he said, “Moral policing in the district will be completely stopped. If it takes place anywhere then the police officer of that particular station will be held directly responsible for the incident. I spoke to the chief minister and told him that while his on first visit to Dakshina Kannada he should lay the foundation stone for the Haj Ghar.”

K S Mohammed Masood, president, Muslim Central Committee (R) Udupi and Dakshina Kannada district, in his welcome address, demanded, “During the month of Ramzan, for community people protection should be given without any obstacles. The police department should not unnecessarily question the community people when they come back or go to perform prayers. The government should also provide good quality ration card rice for us and appoint a special investigation team to probe the Panjinamogaru double murder case. The government should also provide a Haj Ghar center in Mangalore. There is no place for Muslim burials, hence, the government should provide land for this purpose. Civilized people cannot walk near Old Kent Road because of prostitution, so the government must take strict action against this.”

Ibrahim Kodijal, vice-president, Muslim Central Committee (R) Udupi and Dakshina Kannada district, said, “SDPI has tried to split the vote of the Muslim community but Muslims have united and voted for Congress. It is time for the Muslims to unite and hence, the youth of SDPI should be involved in social work but not meddle in politics. We cannot find a single black mark on the personality of Ramanath Rai. Prabhakar Bhat mints money but Rai who really serves the people”.
On this occasion, Mohiuddin Bava and Ramanath Rai were felicitated.

Dakshina Kannada Qazi Twaka Ahmed Musliyar offered ‘Duva’ on the occasion.

However, other Congress MLAs and ministers of undivided Dakshina Kannada district were absent from the event due to various reasons.