Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (DC)

Bengaluru, Apr 4: Actor and social activist Chetan has demanded apology from the BJP for branding him as the leader of a 'Naxal-inspired struggle' in its 'chargesheet' released against the ruling Congress recently.

Chetan addressing a press meet here on Tuesday April 3 objected to his name appearing in the booklet by the BJP said that if the party fails to apologize he would take a legal action.

He said that the BJP has branded him as a leader of 'Naxal-inspired struggle' though he worked for the rehabilitation of the people of Diddhalli. "I am happy that because of my struggle, I was able to help in the rehabilitation of 3,000 refugees. I have worked within the legal framework, and have not touched any armaments. My struggle is peaceful and non-violent," he said.

Urging the BJP to let go of the notion that Diddalli struggle was Naxalite-inspired one, he said, "I also demand an apology from union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and BJP state president B.S. Yeddyurappa, failing which I have no alternative but to fight legally.”

Even the Diddalli residents have lashed out at the BJP. A resident of Diddalli reacting to the issue said, "Due to the struggle under Chetan we could get a site when we were living in line houses of plantations in Kodagu. He is branded as pro-naxal by the BJP which is condemnable and we are ready to protest against whoever does injustice to him."

Another Diddalli resident said, "Chetan and A K Subbaiah joined the struggle against the government demanding housing sites for us. Today they are branded as naxal supporters by the BJP. All the 528 families of Diddalli are with Chetan and the BJP must immediately stop their false allegations."