Pics: Deekshith D V
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Nov 29: Addressing his third press meet this week, this time in the premises of Kudroli Shree Gokarnanatheshwar Temple, former union minister, Congress leader and managing trustee of Kudroli Temple Janardhan Poojary on Saturday November 29 condemned the attack on a journalist at Gangolli during a group clash and said that he has requested the home minister to take necessary action in the matter.

"Instances of attacks on journalists are continuing. It is against democracy, and appropriate action should be taken. I have already requested the home minister to take necessary acction and get the culprits arrested."

"Democracy can function only when there is media. The media is doing its work according to principles stated in the Indian Constitution," he added.

Appointment of SC/STs

Moving on to other issues, Poojary said that the religious endowment ministry should speed up appointments to 36,000 vacant posts in the state. The government should appoint SC/STs and people from backward classes for these posts. Tonight itself I will speak to social welfare minister Anjaneya about this."

"More opportunities should be given to SC/ST women and widows. Respecting women is our duty. When we speak of women empowerment we should practice it too. PM Narendra Modi should provide 50 percent reservation to women in the parliament," he added.

Mass Marriage for Widows

Poojary further said that next year during Dasara celebrations, he would organize a free mass marriage ceremony in which widows too could remarry, irrespective of religion. "Even Muslims and Christians can participate, and the marriage ceremonies will be conducted as per their customs," he said.

He also read out a letter from the father of a 40-year-old man named H S Maltesh from Bengaluru who wants to get married to a widow from any religion. "If H S Maltesh comes here, I will arrange his marriage in Kudroli Temple for free. Widows can approach us if they are interested in the alliance," he said.

On 'Made Snana'

Regarding the controversial practice of 'Made Snana', he criticized Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math as well as the practice itself and said, "Rolling on leftover meals transmits diseases. Why isn't Pejawar Swamiji questioning this? Isn't it discrimination? Being a religious head he should convey good message to the society. Is this practice humane? Where is it written that such a ritual should be practised? Even in 'Yede Snana' where (devotees roll on prasadam offered to deity), there are chances of diseases getting transmited through sweat.

"Kudroli Temple has taken so many reformative and revolutionary steps. Have you (Pejawar Swamiji) appreciated us for that?" he added.

"In north Karnataka, women are sent out of homes during menstruation. Religious heads should speak out against this practice," he said.

Kambala Ban

On the ban on Kambala, Poojary targetted union law minister D V Sadananda Gowda and said, "It needs only half an hour for Sadananda Gowda to amend the law and restore Kambala."