Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (RJP)

Bengaluru, Jun 9: Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has strongly criticized the statement made by state health minister U T Khadar that SDPI had 'received money from BJP'. The SDPI has demanded the minister to apologize for the statement or face legal action.

U T Khadar had reportedly alleged that during the recently concluded gram panchayat elections, the SDPI had received funds from BJP to spoil minority votes by fielding its candidates against Congress-backed Muslim candidates.

Abdul Majid Kodlipete, state general secretary of SDPI said in a press release, "SDPI challenges the minister to prove the allegation or else apologize publicly for the statement. If he fails to do so, a statewide protest will be held and defamation suit will be filed against him."

In the press note Kodlipete also says, "SDPI has won many seats in the recently concluded ZP elections in the minister’s constituency. Since SDPI was responsible for the defeat of many Congress contestants, Khadar has made such allegations. Khadar is known for making such gimmicks for publicity. We have asked the chief minister to stop the minister from making such baseless allegations. SDPI has never compromised with fascist and communal forces. SDPI is the only party in state which has worked against the communal policies of Sangh Parivar.”

SDPI through a statement has reminded Khadar that Popular Front of India had helped him to win an election in the past. "SDPI had refused to take money offered by Khadar for the favour. Khadar should remember that we do not work for money," the press release claimed.

SDPI has alleged that the Congress leaders including Khadar came to power with the promise that they would arrest people including Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat who were responsible for sparking communal tensions. But even after two years they have not done anything about it, the statement reads.

SDPI has given ten days for Khadar to apologize or face legal action.