Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Sep 13: "The state government is trying to protect those who hold swords and weapons," said MP Kota Srinivas Poojary.

Addressing the media, Poojary criticized the state home minister and the government over the Mandya incident, stating, "I once had respect for Home Minister Parameshwar, believing that firm actions would be taken in cases of unrest."

He alleged that during the Lord Ganesh procession, stones were thrown, and shops owned by Hindu devotees were set on fire. Instead of addressing the real culprits, Poojary claimed, the police turned Hindu devotees into suspects. He also criticized the home minister for trivializing the incident by suggesting the stones were accidentally thrown from the air.

Poojary questioned who is protecting the state, accusing the Congress party of attempting to control the Ganesh festival, an important Hindu event. He criticized the government for imposing numerous restrictions, including on processions and loudspeakers.

Further, he highlighted that those installing Lord Ganesh idols were being labeled as suspects, while the real stone-throwers were described as innocent. Poojary condemned the government's leniency toward those carrying weapons while harshly treating individuals associated with the Ganesh festival.

He pointed out that Kiran, who installed a Ganesh idol, has been labeled as the A1 accused, raising concerns about the government's stance. Poojary asserted that Karnataka is witnessing a rare form of violence, with the government allegedly protecting the perpetrators while minorities are creating conditions that disrupt the majority.

Poojary also referenced a criminal case against the Udupi MLA for protesting the withdrawal of a teacher’s award in Kundapur and called for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into an incident involving a Manipal student reporting violence.

He warned that if public trust in the government continues to erode, there may be a need for street protests. Poojary announced plans for statewide agitation to address these concerns.