Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, May 8: Congress leader R Padmaraj accused the MLA of Mangaluru South, who is also a candidate from the same constituency, of disrespecting Bhramashri Narayana Guru. According to Padmaraj, the MLA had initially included a photo of Bhramashri Narayana Guru in his achievement handbook, Sadaneya Patha, but later concealed it with another photo. He alleged that the modified handbooks were distributed door-to-door during the campaign.

Padmaraj addressed the media at Congress Bhavan in Mangaluru on Monday, May 8.

He questioned the MLA's devotion to Bhramashri Narayana Guru, asking why such actions were taken. Padmaraj also brought up the incident where former textbook review chairperson, Rohith Chakrathirtha, removed the chapter on Bhramashri Narayana Guru from the textbook. The MLA had initially planned a program in Mangaluru with Chakrathirtha, but it was canceled due to protests, Padmaraj added.

However, despite opposition, the Belthangady MLA invited Rohith as a guest for a program. Chakrathirtha later claimed that the Belthangady MLA always supported him. Padmaraj accused the BJP of deceiving the Billawa community and other OBC communities, using them as mere pawns for political gains. He highlighted that several youths from OBC communities are in jail. Additionally, although the BJP government announced the Narayana Guru Corporation, no funds have been allocated for it. Padmaraj also criticized the BJP for not allowing Bhramashri Narayana Guru's tableaux in the Republic Day parade, stating that it was a clear insult to Bhramashri Narayana Guru and the Billawa community.

Congress leaders Vishwas Kumar Das and Anil Kumar were also present at the press conference.