Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Aug 20: Dr Bharath Shetty, MLA of Mangaluru North, has strongly criticized the Congress government, accusing it of instigating unrest in the state. He alleged that Ivan D'Souza and his team engaged in road blocking and stone-pelting as part of a desperate attempt to maintain political relevance.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, August 20, at the MCC Building in Mangaluru, Dr Bharath Shetty stated, "In Dakshina Kannada, we have long witnessed 'Gunda Politics’, and no other political party engages in such activities except the Congress. Ivan D'Souza and his team set fire to tires and threw stones at public buses. The governor merely granted permission for an investigation, and the way the Congress party is reacting is dangerous. To counter this, we will be organizing a mega protest on August 22."

He further accused the Congress party of attempting to bring caste into every issue, noting that even the Governor, Thawar Chand Gehlot, is a Dalit. "When they threaten to invade homes, they are attacking Dalit representation. When we tried to file a case against MLC Ivan D'Souza, it was very difficult, and even the police were reluctant to take action against them. Ivan D'Souza became an MLC by the grace of chief minister Siddaramaiah, and now they are trying to silence us," he added.

Dr Bharath Shetty also expressed concern for the public, especially those dependent on buses for their daily commute. He claimed that one of the stone-pelters was a Congress-nominated corporator, and another was a Gram Panchayat member. He questioned the police's role during the roadblocks and stone-pelting incidents, expressing his loss of faith in law enforcement.

"The Congress members brought four tires to burn, despite the police's repeated requests not to. This could set a dangerous precedent if no action is taken. The statements made by Ivan D'Souza and other Congress leaders clearly indicate that they are trying to provoke the public. The stone-pelting and tire-burning began only after Ivan D'Souza's speech, where he made remarks that go against our constitution," Dr Bharath Shetty said, drawing a comparison to the political unrest in Bangladesh.

When asked about the BJP's response if no case is lodged against Ivan D'Souza, Dr Bharath Shetty stated, "Ivan D'Souza's speech shows he has the backing of top Congress leaders. We will hold a mega protest, and our legal team will explore all legal options. We are also working to inform the public about the situation. If the public sides with the Congress on this, it could lead to a situation akin to civil war."

Responding to accusations from Congress that the Governor is a BJP agent, Dr Bharath Shetty emphasized that the Governor's role is constitutional. "If this issue is ignored now, it could embolden attacks on high court and Supreme Court judges in the future," he warned.

Sandeep Anchan, Sandeep Pachanady, Bharath Rai, and others were present.