Don’t label persons with criminal background as Hindu activist: Bhandary

Mangaluru: KPCC working president and MLC Manjunath Bhandary strongly objected to individuals with criminal backgrounds being referred to as Hindu activists. He told reporters on Wednesday, that those affiliated with right-wing organisations like the Bajrang Dal or others should be identified by their organisation name, and not as representatives of the Hindu community. "We too are Hindus, I identify myself as a Congress functionary. It is unacceptable to misuse religion for political gain and to shield those spreading hatred," he said.He expressed dismay that individuals facing multiple criminal cases and even externment proceedings were being referred to as Hindu leaders. Referring to the recent murder of Abdul Rahiman, Bhandary highlighted the irony that Rahiman previously donated blood to the father of one of the accused. "He was called under the pretext to provide sand and was then assaulted. Isn't this betrayal? Hindu leaders must condemn such acts as they go against the core values of Hinduism and the Constitution," he said.Criticising the BJP, Bhandary said the party failed to counter the Congress on the development front, and has hence resorted to backdoor politics by sowing the seeds of communal hatred in the minds of people. "The murder of Abdul Rahiman was an outcome of such brainwashing, and those engaged in such acts should also be punished," he said.He also voiced concern that such incidents were tarnishing the image of coastal Karnataka. "Though these incidents are concentrated within a 10km radius of Mangaluru, the entire region is being unfairly portrayed. This, at a time when the govt is preparing to boost tourism and attract investments to the coast," he said. Referring to the Dakshina Kannada district police initiating the process of externment against 36 people, he said that one must note that a majority belong to two taluks.Bhandary said that the KPCC fact-finding committee comprising MP Syed Naseer Hussain, MLA NA Haris, MLC Manjunath Bhandary, AICC secretary Roji M John, KPCC vice-president VR Sudarshan, former minister Kimmane Ratnakar, and former MP K Jayaprakash Hegde will tour the coastal districts from Thursday. The team will study the socio-political atmosphere and meet senior Congress leaders, the deputy commissioner, police commissioner, SP, business figures, religious leaders, labour unions, intellectuals, artists, and civil society members. They will also visit affected areas and meet families of victims before submitting a report.