Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Nov 6: Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejavar Math said that he had never advised the chief minister (CM) to organize pork feasts in front of mosques. "It is true that in response to the CM's statement about consuming beef, I had queried him whether in the name of personal freedom he was prepared to organize pork feasts in front of mosques, private, and government land. I have never asked anyone to hold pork feasts in front of mosques," he clarified.

The Swamiji said that several persons, who did not properly assimilate what he said about consumption of pork, had expressed their dissatisfaction in the media. "It was never my opinion that feast containing pork should be held in front of mosques," he insisted.

Sri Vishweshateertha added that he had mentioned about pork to drive home the point that it was not proper to hurt the sentiments of Hindus too, just like the Muslims."I always hold the view and people belonging to majority and minority communities should be treated equally. I have not said anything with the intention of hurting anyone," he added.

The Swamiji said he has friendly and harmonious relationship with Muslims, and that he had taken part in big events organized by Muslims at Mangaluru, Kasargod, and other places. He recollected that during his Paryaya term, he had held friendly meet of Hindus and Muslims during Eid at the Rajangana of the Math. He said he does not want anyone to feel hurt by his statement. "I have a sense of affection and pride about our chief minsister, and I always appreciate good work done by him. I also want him to complete his term. At the same time, I am unhappy that my statement was wrongly projected by some," he said in a press statement.