Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, May 7: Akhila Bharata Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM) on Monday May 7 released its manifesto for Mangaluru North and South constituencies, where it has field candidates. Dharmendra will be contesting from Mangaluru South, while Suresh Salian will be contesting from Mangaluru North.s

Addressing the media, ABHM state working president Rajesh Pavithran said, "We have prepared this manifesto depending on the needs of the people. Both BJP and Congress are the same. There is no use talking about Congress. From the day we filed nomination, the BJP is in a disarray looking at our campaign. BJP has even issued threats to our candidates and pressured our candidates to withdraw from the fray. I want to tell them, you (BJP) are threatening us because of your money power. They should remember that BJP exists because of our organization and we will not succumb to BJP's threats."

In a blistering attack on the BJP, he said, "BJP should ask their ancestors that about Hindu Mahasabha. BJP's name is shining because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, not because of their representatives. BJP is talking of Hindutva agenda, but we know very well what BJP did during its tenure. People will give befitting reply to the BJP. I want ask the BJP, what will they do to the muzrai department - whether they will bring mosques and churches under it? Hindu Mahasabha wants to stop the funds diverting from temples to other purposes. Temple funds should be used for the development of temples alone," he said.

"We will also impose ban on PFI and SIMI organizations. During 2014 elections we supported the BJP, but the BJP in the state was only into resort politics. It is because of BJP itself that Congress is in power. People have lost faith in BJP," said Pavithran.

"Mangaluru South candidate Dharmendra has been involved in social service for 25 years. In the South constituency BJP gave ticket to Vedavyas Kamath who was involved in Vinayak Baliga murder and who expelled Srikar Prabhu who was a sincere BJP worker. In the North constituency BJP denied ticket to Satyajit Suratkal and gave ticket to a corrupt candidate. Which Hindutva is BJP talking about? BJP does not have any ideologies," he added.

Hindu Mahasabha's Mangaluru South candidate Dharmendra said, "It is inevitable to contest for the elections. As we have only BJP and Congress, we need an alternative. I urge people to vote for a sincere, committed candidate who works for the society."

When asked if any complaint was filed regarding threat calls, Dharmendra said, "No, we have not filed any complaint, as our party’s decision was to keep quiet and just do our work.

Asked who would be responsible if the threats were carried out and no complaint filed, Rajesh Pavithran said, "They know only to talk but do nothing. It does not mean we are underestimating them. We know how to protect our candidates from them."

Highlights of Manifesto

- To restrain the mental and physical pressure on students by changing the education system (books, uniforms and timings)

- The money collected in the temple under muzrai department will be allotted only for temple renovation, upgrading temple facilities and salaries of temple staff.

- Imposing ban on SIMI and PFI.

- To conduct adalat once in three months to address the problems of gas and ration.

- Control sand mafia

- Special women police for women protection and appointment of seperate police officers to curb corruption.

- To stop Yettinahole project

Visit to Baliga family

Akhila Bharatha Hindu Mahasabha visited slain RTI activist Vinayak Baliga’s residence during their election campaign, where a board has been put up barring entry of vote seekers.

Rajesh Pavithran said, "The situation at Baliga’s residence is worse now. Baliga’s sister was agitated when we entered their premises and asked us to get out. She told us, 'can't you see the board put up that no one is allowed to enter the premises for election campaign' and continuously lashed out at us."

"We told her that we entered the premises only after seeing the board. We have always been against the murder of Baliga and have even pointed out that a supporter of the accused has been given ticket to contest from Mangaluru South constituency. We managed to convince Baliga’s family and paid condolence to them and assured to fight for justice."

ABHM district president Naveen Kumar, Mangaluru north candidate Suresh and ABHM south president Subhash and others were present.