Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Aug 23: “80% of the cow vigilantes have criminal background. When it comes to cow protection in the area, Bajrang Dal comes to mind first. Many of the leaders in this organization have criminal backgrounds,” said district in-charge minister Ramanatha Rai in a press meet held at Circuit House in city on Tuesday August 23.

Chaddi Parivar

“Cow protection is done with the intention of creating communal unrest in the society. Their ultimate goal is to get political gain. People call them Sangh Parivar. I call them Chaddi Parivar. I request the intelligent people of coastal region, to keep away from these communal forces." Rai added.

Praveen Poojary murder

Condemning Praveen Poojary murder, Rai said “The murder is very unfortunate thing. Minorities, Dalits and backward communities are becoming victims these days. Dakshina Kannada district Congress met inspector general (western range) and submitted a petition to take strict action against cow protectors and speed up the investigation into Praveen’s murder case. “

Mangaluru University Auditorium issue

Referring to the incident of Mangaluru University allotting its auditorium to BJP for a gathering, Ramanath Rai said “The gathering was attended by BJP’s national chief Amith Shah and state chief B S Yeddyurappa. Nobody can call it a public function when it was used by a political party for political reasons. Name of Rani Abbakka was only a pretext.”

'Freedom 70 - Remembering sacrifices' programme as part of the BJP's 'Tiranga Yatra' campaign, was held at the Mangaluru University auditorium on Sunday, August 21.

“Even some Syndicate members from the university have registered displeasure at the favouritism accorded to BJP. The issue has already reached the state government. I am raising this issue in the cabinet meeting soon so that such issues will never occur again.” Rai added.

Power hungry BJP

“BJP is a power hungry party. Congress party fought for the freedom struggle in India. What did BJP do to the country? They are only interested in dividing the community to attain power. Congress introduced pro-poor policies for the society. What they have done for poverty eradication? Power is their only motive. BJP wants to be in power by creating communal disharmony.” Rai said comparing BJP to his party Congress.

Congress interim president Ibrahim Kodijal, former mayor Shashidhar Hegde, MCC corporator Kavitha Sanil, youth leader Mithun Rai were present among others.