Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Sep 28: "State government’s anti-superstition bill is a good move. But government has targeted only one community. The state Cabinet has projected that the only Hindu religion is filled with superstitions," said Krishna J Palemar, former state minister from BJP.

Addressing the media on Thursday, September 28, he said "We are objecting the blind beliefs and superstitions which are harmful to human beings as well as to the society. But in name of superstitions, questioning the religious beliefs is condemnable,”

“As per the bill, many of the religious beliefs are also punishable. We believe in ‘Bootha 'and' Daiva’ in our coastal region. Animal sacrifice is a ritual here. But as per the new bill it is prohibited and punishable. Many things are exempt in this bill while many Tulunadu beliefs are not excluded. It means we will not be able to hold our local festivals, religious programmes and celebrations from today onwards. It is not acceptable," he said,

“No one can question a particular person’s belief. But now through this anti-superstition bill, the government is denying the freedom of belief. Majority of things banned in this bill are related to Hindu religion. Nowadays all are educated to know what is wrong and what is right,” he continued.

“By holding certain faith, one gets mental peace and relief. For this reason, one practices rituals. It cannot be termed as superstitious all the time. The anti-superstition should also talk about 'Halal meat ' and preaching by missionaries in which they claim healing of diseases,” he concluded.