Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jan 18: "BJP is food is minorities. If they are not there in this country, the party will not exist," said former minister Ramanath Rai, who had a verbal assault on RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat.

Responding the Kanakapura Jesus's statue issue, Ramanath Rai said, "BJP and their allies are targeting minorities in all their moves. The party protested against the construction of statue of Jesus at Kanakapura. The leader of communal organization, which has made Dakshina Kannada district 'Communal Laboratory' has spoken provocative words.

Ramanath Rai (left) and Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat

"Christians of Dakshina Kannada always live in harmony. Kalladka Bhat has spoken in a fashion to instigate their religious feelings. They are hatching a plan to gain, in case Christians get down to the streets. In USA some churches are converted into temples as per law. He has said that it is done according to the law.

"Kalladka Bhat is saying that state government has stopped supplying rice to Sri Rama School. However, not even a kilogram of rice has gone to the school from the Kollur temple. The only thing that has gone is a monthly cheque for Rs four lac. I do not know whether that is used for the school or his personal selfish gains.

"BJP is trying to divide the society. In none of the political murders that have taken place in the district of Dakshina Kannada, Muslim and Hindus belonging to the Congress party are not involved. I am ready to swear on this fact anywhere."

Giving his opinion on the issue of placing ban on SDPI and PFI in the state, the former minister said, "We do not accept any religious ideology. Banning of these organizations might be a matter of profit and loss. You can very well guess who is going to profit by banning these organizations. If banning these organizations is profitable to them, they will place a ban, otherwise no. However, I am committed to the stand of my party in this context."