Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MH)

Mangaluru, Jul 13: BJP leaders from Dakshina Kannada district held a protest at Kavoor junction on Saturday, July 13, in response to Congress filing a false FIR against MLA Dr Bharath Shetty. Opposition leader R Ashoka participated in the protest.

Addressing the gathering, R Ashok said, "We stand with Bharath Shetty. If Hindutva survives, our country survives. They are pressuring the police to file cases against us, abusing and mentally torturing BJP members in Mangalore. Those who called for Modi's death and shouted 'Jai Palestine' have places in Parliament. Congress's anti-Hindu stance is clear as they continuously appease Muslims. They are caught in two scandals: the Valmiki Board and MUDA scams, stealing money and land from poor Dalits, which is why they are trying to divert people's attention to us.

“The Congress government is on the brink of collapse. It feels like a Taliban regime. If an election were held today, they would lose. Petrol and diesel prices have risen significantly; they criticised PM Modi for a 1-rupee increase, yet they have raised prices by 3 rupees. We are a party born from struggle, unlike Congress, which exploits Gandhi's name. They support those who shout 'Pakistan Zindabad’, but we will not allow that in Mangaluru. BJP is ruling the country, and they should remember that. We have Hindu blood in us and won't fear petty threats from the police. We are ready to protest,” he said.

Mangaluru North MLA Bharath Shetty criticised Congress, saying, "It has become a habit for the government to file FIRs. When a Congress leader suggested slapping me with sandals, we could have filed a complaint, but we did not because the issue is about Hindutva, not about me. I did not say I would slap Rahul Gandhi; I merely questioned what if someone slapped him. They are dividing the Hindu religion by caste, but we are now aware. If the country remains peaceful, it is because of Hindus. They influenced corporator Anil to file a complaint; Ivan D'Souza, who made bold statements, lacks the courage to do the same. Inayath Ali questioned if I am a dental doctor or a mental patient; he should earn a degree before speaking about me. We will not tolerate those against Hindutva; we will use weapons and rise when needed."

Sunil Kumar, Karkala MLA, further added, "Rahul Gandhi said Hindu people are violent. They think if they file a complaint, only Bharath Shetty will go to the station, but the entire BJP stands with him. When Hindus are hurt or killed, Congress remains silent, but they support Rahul Gandhi when he insults Hindus. Rahul Gandhi should apologise for what he has said. We stand united with Bharath Shetty; if a single member of our party faces trouble, thousands will rally to support. Power is not permanent, and we did not behave like this when we were in power. I warn the government to stop filing false complaints against BJP leaders."

Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta further criticised Congress and said, "We did not fear Indira Gandhi during the Emergency, and Rahul Gandhi thinks we will be scared of him. BJP protected democracy when she declared the Emergency. BJP continues to uphold democracy, the Constitution, and Hindutva. Bharath Shetty expressed the sentiments of common Hindus when he spoke about slapping Rahul Gandhi. The case is not just against Bharath Shetty; it is against all common Hindus. The countdown to the end of the Congress government has started."

District BJP president Sathish Kumpala said, "Congress is trying to pressure BJP representatives in the Dakshina Kannada district. Whenever Hindu sentiments are hurt, Bharath Shetty speaks up, consistently advocating for Hindutva. Bharath Shetty has not made any mistakes; he spoke the truth. Remember how they demeaned Modi? I doubt the people from Congress are even Hindus. The Congress party is desperate because people vote for the BJP, which is why they file cases against our party members."

MLAs Umanath Kotian, Harish Poonja, Vedavyas Kamath, Rajesh Naik and Bhagirathi Murulya, mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur, deputy mayor Sunitha, and others were present at the protest.