Bengaluru: Upset with the communal tension in his constituency (Bantwal), Minister for Forests B. Ramanath Rai, who is also the district in-charge minister of Dakshina Kannada, blamed both Muslims and Hindu organisations for the tense situation in the coastal district.
He says the BJP is stoking tension with an eye on the 2018 state Assembly elections. Speaking exclusively to Deccan Chronicle from Mangaluru, Mr Rai criticised BJP leaders for turning the sensitive communal murder into a political issue and for taking protest rallies when four taluks of Dakshina Kannada district are under Section 144. Excerpts from the interview:
Why did district administration allow the BJP to conduct a protest rally when Bantwal is in the grips of communal tension?
The police did not allow BJP and RSS leaders to take out the funeral procession from Mangaluru to B.C. Road. Despite the ban orders under Section 144, they forcibly took out the procession, worsening the situation.
Being the district in-charge minister, have you not failed in containing the situation?
We had taken all precautionary measures. Both Muslims and Hindu outfits are responsible for the current situation in Bantwal taluk. Provocative speeches by senior RSS functionary Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat too aggravated the situation and the stabbing incident at Kalladka only worsened it.
The BJP is demanding a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the murder of RSS worker Sharath Madivala...
The state police are capable of investigating these murders. In the Kalladka case, the police have already taken culprits into custody. In Sharath Madivala case, they have started the investigation and soon will arrest the assailants. An NIA probe is not required.
What are the steps you have taken to contain the situation in Dakshina Kannada district?
I have decided to call a meeting of leaders of all political parties and communities. I will invite BJP MPs, MLAs, representatives of local bodies and corporations. Invitations will also be sent to Hindu and Muslim community leaders. We have to put an end to communal disharmony in the district. I seek the cooperation of all political leaders.
The BJP is accusing you of being responsible for the unrest in Bantwal taluk. They allege that the situation went out of control because of your appeasement politics...
It is not true. I have directed the police to take action against culprits from both groups. I have not favoured any community.
Why has the situation deteriorated suddenly in Bantwal taluk?
It is because of provocative speeches by RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat. The BJP wants to turn Mangaluru into Uttar Pradesh before the Assembly elections. But our police have tackled the situation well.
