Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Mar 11: A few days after the violence in Kalladka, state minister B Ramanath Rai breaks his silence by addressing the media at a press meet held at the District Congress Office on Tuesday March 11.
He allegedly stated “BJP, Sangh Parivar is responsible for the Kalladka incident. This attack was organized to disrupt the officialmeeting organized by the Congress party. The Party organized this meet to restrain social harmony in the society. We (Congress) have not committed any mistake nor violated the election code of conduct. BJP, Sangh Parivar under the guidance of Prabhakar Bhat organized this attack. Few election surveys also predicted the Congress party’s victory in the district. Hence due to the fear of losing the election this attack was scheduled."
He also said “Stones were pelted for 1.5 hours to disrupt the meet. Sangh Parivar in the vicinity was involved in delivering hate speeches and spoiling the social harmony in the society. In order to restore the social harmony in the society, Congress had organized this meet at Kalladka. The programme was planned officially with authentic permission. When they (BJP, Sangh Parivar) organize such programmes, which involves inflammatory speeches no one disrupts. What work do they (BJP, Sangh Parivar) have at a Congress convention? There is a recording of Chandraprakash Shetty's address, he never used inflammatory against anyone. Civilized society should not accept this type of attitude."
“In the forth coming Loksabha elections Congress party workers will work united and show our unity” he added.
Taking a dig towards BJP MP Candidate Nalin Kumar Kateel, Rai said “What is his (Nalin Kumar Kateel) contribution to the district? There aren't any evident development work. People deserve efficient leaders like Janardhana Poojary,” he added.
In a reply to reporter’s question as to why was the meet had been organized in Kalladka, Rai said “ Kalladaka is not anyone’s property, we have the freedom to organize a meet anywhere”.
To another question Rai said “I do not have any personal grudge against Prabhakar but I condemn when the social harmony of society is disturbed. Congress is a secular party; it has no soft corner towards the ideology of the Sangh Parivar”.
On this occasion Ibrahim Kodijal said “Election campaign will begin from March 16. The party has planned for a Padayatra in all 8 MLA constituency of Dakshina Kannada. In Mangalore South-North Constituency will commence from Thokottu to Kuloor on March14; in Bantwal on March15, Moodbidri on March16, Belthangady March 17, Puttur on March 18 and Sullia on March 19.
On this occasion Kalige Tharanath Shetty, Ivan D’ Souza, PV Mohan and others were also present.