Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Feb 1: Hitting back at ousted Puttur block Congress president Hemanath Shetty, former union minister Janardhan Poojary on Sunday February 1 said that Hemanath Shetty's action of launching the Bharatiya Hindu Parish had helped the Sangh Parivar.
Hemanath Shetty had formed the BHP reportedly to counter VHP, which did not go down well with several Congress leaders. He was subsequently axed from his post. Soon after being removed, Hemanath blamed MLA Shakuntala Shetty and Janardhan Poojary for his ouster, and hurled insults at the latter besides accusing him of playing divisive politics.
Addressing a press meet here, Poojary said, "BHP founder Hemanath Shetty has been sacked from his post of Puttur block Congress president and another person appointed in his place. I have been observing Hemanath's statements from the past few days, even yesterday he passed a statement claiming that Congress is anti-Hindu and that the party has failed to protect Hindus, and hence he formed the BHP. He also claimed that AICC president Sonia Gandhi, vice-president Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders have lost.
"Congress leaders, be it Hindus, Muslims or Christians, fought for freedom against the British, and now he's (Hemanath Shetty) is saying that all are useless in Congress and it cannot protect Hindus which form 80 percent of the population.
"Hemanath Shetty has not only challenged Sonia Gandhi, but also attacked Congress workers. Mahatma Gandhi was also a Hindu. When he was assasinated he said 'Hey Ram' and now he is questioning the very existence of Congress," he said.
"Power and money are not permanent. You (Hemanath) are after power and money and no care for values. What is the message you have given as block Congress president? If you had been a patriot and had faith in Congress you would not have done this. You have insulted freedom fighters. Though Congress leaders guided you, you did not listen and today you have come to this level," he said.
Lashing out further at Hemanath Shetty, he alleged, "You are doing what Narendra Modi and Sangh Parivar have been talking about. You are helping Modi and Sangh Parivar by saying Congress has failed to protect Hindus. You should be ashamed of yourself. Even your guru Veerappa Moily opposed BHP."
Referring to Hemanath's allegations against him, Poojary said, "You claim Poojary is dividing people on the lines of caste, that Poojary is not a member of the Billawa organization. But I go to Billawa programmes and if they committ mistakes I correct them. I treat all equally."
He added, "Congress lost elections earlier also but it has emerged again. You (Hemanath) are talking about Poojary losing elections, but you should remember that many people like A B Vajpayee, L K Advani and and Indira Gandhi also lost elections. Though one may be defeated in elections, humanity should not be defeated. Power comes and goes.
"Did you take permission from anyone to form BHP?" he questioned addressing Hemanth.
"People may call me insane, loafer or Mahatma, but I will remain the same. Poojary will always be Poojary. I will never allow anyone to divide this country," he asserted.
'Khadar after power'
Asked about health minister U T Khadar's statement that BHP would have support if it engages in good work, Poojary said, "Khadar wants vote and power, and not this nation or the party."
Asked if he would take legal action against Hemanath Shetty for his remarks, Poojary replied in the negative.
When reporters asked his opinion about Congressman Vijaynath Vittal Shetty presiding over VHP's Hindu Samajotsava, he said, "I will listen to his speech during the Samajotsava and call a press meet the next day to express my opinions.
"If there is peace there will be development," he added.
Mayor Mahabala Maarla, deputy mayor Kavitha, Kallige Taranath Shety, PV Mohan, T K Sudhir and others were present.