Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Apr 11: On behalf of 'Nalike' community which is primarily engaged in 'Daiva Nartana', which is an integral part of religious belief system and traditions of coastal Karnataka districts, taluk president of Nalike Samaja Seva Sangha here, S Prabhakar Shanthigodu, on Tuesday April 10 filed a complaint with the police against Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader, Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat.

Bhat, who is already under scrutiny for alleged violation of code of conduct rules, has been accused of publicly deriding and insulting 'Nalike' community.

Immediate past president of the said Sangha, Sheshappa Nalike, addressing a press meet at Pathrika Bhavan here, accused Bhat of saying that people who don the role of Bhootas are mentally unsound. Charging Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat of publicly making this comment, he demanded for registration of case under atrocities on SC/ST act and also for incarcerating Bhat for this offence. He said that as per the traditions that have been passed over since generations in coastal districts, it is customary to honour visitors by offering Prasadam and betel leaves (Boolya) as a gesture of devotion towards the divine entities. He stressed that it is wrong to take advantage of the faith system of the people for political gains.

Sheshappa pointed out that Muslims have been visiting Sri Ram Mandir headed by Prabhakar Bhat at Kalladka with devotion. He said that Bhat was wrong in asking the community to conduct Brahma Kalashotsava for the Mandir, which he said, is unconstitutional.

He also warned that in case of failure to take legal steps against Bhat, all the dalit organizations will come together and stage protest.

Prabhakar Shanthigodu felt that the district, known traditionally as a land of brilliant people, is getting a bad name because of narrow-minded people. He added that he does not mind Bhat playing politics, but insisted that issuing derogatory statements for political purpose is wrong.

Taluk committee general secretary, Shyam Sundar, Daiva Nartaka Janardhan Ballamanja, president of Yuva Vedike, Harish Navoor and others were present.