Pics: Deekshith D V
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Nov 5: Firebrand leader of Akhila Bharata Hindu Mahasabha Swami Pranavananda on Thursday November 5 demanded Rs 10 lac as compensation for the family of flower vendor and Bajrang Dal activist Prashant Poojary who murdered in Moodbidri last month. He also said that the Hindu Maha Sabha and the Sri Rama Sene would send pork to the CM as a mark of protest against his beef remarks and called for the boycott of Shah Rukh Khan's movies for his comments on intolerance in the country.
Addressing reporters at Kadri Jogi Math in the city after visiting Prashant's house, he said, "Today I visited the house of Prashant Poojary who was murdered recently and spoke with the family. I congratulate the police on arresting the accused in the case. It is strongly condemnable that though the murder took place in the district, neither the district incharge minister, the DC or any leader in a position of responsibility has not visited Prashant's house.
Referring to the incident last year when Kabeer was killed by the ANF, he said, "When the person who was stealing and slaughtering cows died, his family was given Rs 10 lac by the government. Why has the government not taken any decision on compensation to Prashant's family? Is it because he is a Hindu and had fought against illegal cow slaughter? This is really painful and shows the irresponsibility of the government.
Lambasting minister Abhaychandra Jain for his statements terming Prashant a 'miscreant' who had several cases against him, Pranavananda said, "When Abhaychandra Jain makes such irresponsible statements, it is an insult to the government. It is the failure of the state government and the district administration, which should answer. The government should give Rs 10 lac compensation to Prashant's family, or say why it cannot."
Regarding chief minister (CM) Siddaramaiah's controversial statements on beef consumption, he said, "The CM is creating tension between cow slaugheters and cow worshippers. It was a provocative statement and case should be filed. Hindu Maha Sabha and Sri Rama Sene have written letter to the governor of Karnataka seeking permission to file a case against the CM. Such statements do not suit his position."
He also said that as a mark of protest, Hindu Mahasabha and Sri Rama Sene will be sending pork to the chief minister. "We are ready send pork as parcel to the CM. He is hurting the sentiments of the majority community with such irresponsible statements. We will send him pork from all districts of Karnataka, and already we have begun doing so from Vijaypura and Mysuru."
On Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's statement that intolerance had incresed in the country, the Swami said, "Shah Rukh Khan should know that he is living in India and not in Pakistan. If there are problems here he can go to Pakistan and live there. He thinks after Modi came to power there is intolerance - why did he not feel it during Godhra, Sikh riots, and Marad massacre where 8 Hindus were killed?
"All Khans are the same. We should boycott their films. Not only Hindus, but also those who have faith in Hindu culture should boycott their movies. Shah Rukh Khan must apologise for his statement. Terrorist leaders are telling Shah Rukh Khan to come to Pakistan, saying they will provide all facilities. He is an anti-national," he said.
Asked to comment on Infosys founder Narayana Murthy's statement on intolerance in the country, he said, "It has been only one-and-a-half years since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power. Many incidents happened before that also. This is a strategy of Congress. On what grounds can you say that only after Modi came to power, intolerance level has increased? Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed has lauded Modi. This is nothing but a Congress strategy."
Commenting on literary figures and others returning their awards in protest over intolerance, he said, "This is not correct. Literatteurs are provoking religious sentiments. There should be a censor board for literature, so that all literary works can be scrutinized. Because of them, problems are cropping up and there is no peace in society. They are insulting the nation by returning the awards. Let them also return the prize money and the flight charges of award ceremony, and not only the award." He also condemned Prof K S Bhagwan for his comments on Hinduism and Hindu deities.
On the state government's plan to celebrate Tipu Jayanti, he said, "We severely condemn this move and we will oppose it. Why is there objection to observe Nathuram Godse Balidan Diwas. There cannot be two laws in the country. We will approach the governor and file a case in the high court."
He also lauded the new home minister Parameshwar, calling him a 'cultured man', and urged him to provide advance weapons to the state police force and to ensure that there is no political interference in police affairs..