Mangalore: Make Friends, But Do Not Celebrate ‘Friendship Day’, Says Muthalik
Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RS/CN)
Mangalore, Aug 1: “We need friends, but not Friendship Day. So, we oppose Friendship Day which is not the culture of India”, said Pramod Muthalik, chief, Rama Sena, after he arrived in the city in a procession organized by his followers on Saturday August 1.
Speaking to media persons he said, “Celebrating days in the name of love and friends is not our culture. Celebrating Friendship Day is against our culture. We do not oppose friendship and making friends, but celebrating a day with this name is not justifiable as far as our culture is concerned”.
But Muthalik did not clarify what their proposed action or protest against Friendship Day would be. He repeated, “On Friendship Day there is no real celebration, it is only tying friendship bands. Those who want to tie bands can celebrate Raksha Bandhan as it is our culture”.
Muthalik was banned from entering the district by the deputy commissioner (DC) in an order dated March 16, 2009. This was stayed by the High Court order dated July 15, 2009.
Displaying Defiance
Muthalik, in a speech from his procession vehicle near Urva, Radhakrishna Mandir, said that the state government is playing a game against him.
“When the Congress government was ruling the state, I spoke in more than 200 gatherings and conferences but not a single case was registered. But this government which came to power with Hindutva has forgotten its cause and is acting against Hindutva activists. As a part of the conspiracy, they filed a case against me and planned to ban me from entering the district”, he said, adding that he is thankful to the High Court which stayed the order by the deputy commissioner of the district.
“We are strengthening our cause and we will show this government what the power of Hindutva is”, said Muthalik.
Muthalik arrived from Karwar and was received near Kottara by members of the Rama Sena. A procession on an open vehicle passed through the city roads up to Ballalbagh before concluding near Urva Market.
The Rama Sena has organized a two-day training camp at Radhakrishna Mandir.
Earlier Report:
Pramod Muthalik Enters Mangalore, to Train Rama Sainiks
Mangalore, Aug 1: Rama Sene Chief Pramod Muthalik has finally made an entry into Mangalore on Saturday , Aug 1 around 6pm.
Muthalik who was banned for a short period from entering Mangalore arrived from the port city of Karwar.
With the huge number of Rama Sainiks and his followers Muthalik has started the procession from Kottara Chowki at 6.30pm and he is expected to reach at Radhakrishna Mandir Urwa Store by 7.30pm. He is expected to address Rama Sainiks at Urwa store.
It is also learnt that Muthalik will be stationed in Mangalore for next two days and he will be training Rama Sainiks and conduct bytaks.