Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 11: A massive protest was held at Kavoor Junction on Thursday evening under the leadership of KPCC general secretary Inayat Ali against MLA Bharath Shetty for his derogatory remarks about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The protest was organized by the Suratkal and Gurupura Block Congress Committees of Mangaluru North Assembly Constituency.

Addressing the protest, KPCC general secretary Inayat Ali questioned, "Is Bharath Shetty a dental doctor, a mental doctor, or a mental patient?" He condemned the MLA's remarks, emphasizing that Hinduism advocates non-violence and providing refuge. "Bharath Shetty’s comments about slapping Rahul Gandhi are shameful and reflect his culture," he added.

Ali further challenged, "Let alone hitting Rahul Gandhi, we, a handlful of Congress workers will come to your office. Slap us if you have the guts. The people of Mangaluru North will soon send you home with a slap on your cheek. Have you ever spoken a word about the incomplete Kuloor bridge or the uncompleted Suratkal Mooda Market? You should be ashamed and speak about your development work."

Congress leader M G Hegde also spoke at the protest, accusing BJP of promoting fake Hindutva. "For the past 40 years, BJP has been misleading the Hindu community, claiming that Congress is anti-Hindu. BJP must stop such statements, or Congress will give a fitting reply," he warned.

Hegde continued, "Congress unites everyone, whereas BJP’s Hindutva is a ploy to divide communities. BJP is trying to eliminate anyone who speaks against them, even calling the Shankar Math anti-Hindu. We will expose BJP’s false Hindutva to the public. Let Bharath Shetty try to slap our workers first," he challenged.

District Women's Congress President Shalet Pinto, Suratkal Block Congress president Purushottam Chitrapur, and other leaders and activists participated in the protest.

After the protest meeting, the protestors attempted to march to MLA Bharath Shetty's office in Kavoor. The police had to work hard to prevent them from reaching the office. All the protestors were detained 50 meters away from the office and taken to Panambur, Bajpe, and Kavoor police stations. DCP Siddharth Goyal, Panambur ACP Manoj Kumar Nayak, and other officials were present at the protest site.

'BJP’s ballot paper Hindutva'

MG Hegde said, "For the past 40 years, BJP has been claiming that all Hindus support them, which is a false argument. There are Hindus in Congress who do not accept BJP's fake Hindutva. BJP’s Hindutva is about ballot paper Hindutva, inciting youth through speeches. There are around 1,500 criminal cases registered against youths from backward communities due to this. Bharath Shetty provokes the youth and then goes home to sleep comfortably. This is their Hindutva," Hegde stated.

'Bharath Shetty's arrogance will be brought down'

Hegde further said, "Bharath Shetty is filled with arrogance, which needs to be brought down, either by himself or by Congress. In this country, there are two BJPs – one Modi’s BJP and the original BJP. There are also two RSS factions – one Modi’s RSS and the original RSS. Coastal Karnataka must develop, and BJP’s senior leaders should work sincerely. Only then will they gain wisdom."