Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS/HB)

Udupi, Nov 12: Responding to the query on the attack that took place on the house of MLA Akhanda Srinivasmurthy during the recent KG Halli, DJ Halli riots, state BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "Congress has to answer today. Leader of opposition Siddaramaiah and KPCC president D K Shivakumar have not raised complaint on Sampath Raj in the incident in which Akhanda Srinivasmurthy's residence was attacked by hooligans. Since then Sampath Raj is absconding. Role of Sampath Raj in the incident have come to light in the police investigation. He got admitted to the hospital with the excuse of ill health and went missing from there itself. Congress president said that Sampath Raj is at home. If he had the moral responsibility, he should have asked Sampath Raj to surrender to the police. Not because he is a convict but as an accused. Influence of the former chief minister and KPCC president is clearly visible in this incident. Congress is completely involved in this incident. Sampath Raj should be arrested. Congress has to force him to surrender."

Nalin was speaking to the scribes on Thursday November 12 after partaking in the training programme organized by BJP, Mangaluru division. Nalin further said, "I am not supporting this only for political reason. We are not taking Akhanda Srinivasmurthy into our party. However, attacking an innocent Dalit MLA, firing his house is not right in politics. Then what will be the plight of commoners? Injustice is meted out on Srinivas. BJP will see that he gets justice."

Speaking on the victory of BJP in the recently held by-elections, Nalin said, "This was a public matter. We have used technique, work and organizational abilities in this election. We have taken on the election in a systematic manner. In Sira, former CM Siddaramaiah and in R R Nagar D K Shivakumar spoke to the voters as if they are contesting. They never took the name of the contesting person. Instead, they have done the job of reserving seats for the next election. Because of their in fight, BJP has gained."

On extension of cabinet, Nalin said, "Expanding cabinet is left to the discretion of the chief minister. He will take all the decisions. He is experienced. So he takes a note of everything. He will take decision with a balanced mind and with an aim for the betterment for the state."

Commenting on BJP MLA Basanagowda Patil Yatnal's anti-party activities, Nalin said, "Anyone who works against the party or the ideology of BJP will be taken to task. We will do whatever needs to be done."