Allegations on Rai using Abusive Language against Poojary False – Rajesh Rao
Mangaluru: “The allegations put by Harikrishna Bantwal that Minister Ramanath Rai had used abusive language against Janardhan Poojary on February 6 during my wedding reception is to my knowledge false. The reception of my marriage was held on February 9, at Buntara Bhavana Suratkal and not on February 6. As per my knowledge, no such incident happened on the day of my wedding reception”, said the managing director of Rathna Borewells Suratkal, Rajesh Rao in a press meet held at Hotel Woodlands here on June 30.
Addressing the mediapersons Rajesh Rao said, “In a press meet Harikrishna Bantwal said that on February 6, the wedding function of the managing director of Rathna Borewells Suratkal Rajesh Rao was held and the District Minister In-charge Ramanath Rai had attended the function. During the function, Rai used abusive language against Poojary with Arun Coelho and Tejaswiraj. First of all, my wedding reception was held on February 9, just before 10:00 pm when everyone had finished wishing me I got the information that Minister Rai was coming, soon Rai reached the hall and wished me. After wishing we all proceeded to have food and in about 20 minutes Rai had left”.
Rajesh Rao further said, “I am not in any political party but Harikrishna Bantwal has dragged me into this controversy. Oscar Fernandes’s family had attended my wedding reception, they are like our family members. On my wedding reception day, there was a joint session going on in Bengaluru and a budget session in Delhi, so many political leaders including Oscar Fernandes were not able to attend the function. Blossom Fernandes was my mother’s colleague while they were working together in the bank. We have very much respect towards Oscar Fernandes. Harikrishna Bantwal during the MLC elections in December had also spoken very bad about Oscar Fernandes and the video clippings are available on youtube. I do not know the motive of Harikrishna Bantwal for calling the press meet after 5 Months to defame Rai.”
Rajesh also said, “Arun Coelho had attended the function at around 8:00 pm and I am not sure whether Arun was present when Rai had come. In December when Harikrishna Bantwal contested for the MLC elections, he used abusive language against Oscar for which we have the evidence on YouTube. But there is no evidence that Rai used abusive language against Poojary. Because as per my knowledge Rai has a special respect for Janardhan Poojary since he is the most senior leader of the Congress. I have also got the video recording of my marriage and I can confidently say that such an incident did not take place. Even if any small incident had occurred I would have got the information,” said Rajesh.