BJP distances itself as its Karnataka MP seeks ‘revenge, revenge, revenge’, demolition of more mosques

AMIDST the build-up to the Ram Temple consecration, led from the front by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP has distanced itself from remarks by its Karnataka MP Anantkumar Hegde that many more mosques need to be demolished in the state.

Naming several mosques across Bhatkal, Uttar Kannada and Mandya, Hegde claimed they were all built over Hindu temples. “In every village of the state, there are small religious places which were violated. Until they are demolished, the Hindu community will not sit idly.”

His statement could be taken as a “threat”, the MP from Uttara Kannada added. “We will definitely do it (demolition). This is a decision of the Hindu community, not of Anantkumar Hegde,” he said, speaking at a meeting in Kumta Saturday.

“Revenge, revenge, revenge… if we do not take revenge for the 1,000 years, then the Hindu community can clearly say that ours is not Hindu blood,” the BJP MP added. “We are not a community which will be in debt. We will clear the debt at any cost.”

On Sunday, police registered a suo motu complaint against Hegde under IPC Section 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups) and 505 (statements conducing public mischief) over his remarks.

BJP MLA and former deputy chief minister C N Ashwath Narayan said Hegde’s remarks were his “personal views”. “I don’t want to say anything more about that. (PM) Modi has called upon the people to ensure harmony, unity and respect for all religions,” he told reporters on Sunday.

Though some temples were converted to mosques, this is not the time to rake up such issues, he added.

In his speech, Hegde targeted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in particular, calling him ‘Moorka (Foolish) Ramaiah’ and accusing him of “selling his mentality for minority votes”.

Earl