BJP Dividing People by Discriminating Minorities – Rai
Mangaluru: “BJP is targetting minorities and dividing society. Recently the BJP opposed the construction of the statue of Jesus Christ in Kanakapura. One leader of a Hindu outfit from Dakshina Kannada went to Bengaluru to hold a rally against the construction of the statue of Jesus in Kanakapura and delivered an inciting speech. The Christian community in Dakshina Kannada wants communal harmony. Whenever the churches or Christian places of worship were attacked they held a peaceful protest and demanded justice. The Christian community is peace-loving and their contribution to the country is unimaginable. The BJP in order to get political mileage wants to provoke the minorities so that they will get down to the streets and protest against them. BJP is dividing the society by discriminating against the minorities”, said the former minister Ramanath Rai in a press meet held at the DCC office here on January 18.
Addressing the mediapersons Ramanath Rai said, “Puttige Shree Yogindra Bhat a friend of mine invited me to visit New Jersey and also to visit the Temple there. Shree Yogindra Bhat said that this Temple was a church before and was donated to us to convert it into s Temple. We removed the Cross on top of the Church and converted it into a Temple. We should respect their sentiments and their accommodating nature of treating other religions. Our country has special respect because of our unity in diversity. When Vivekananda went to America and addressed at the first world’s parliament of religions saying “My Sisters and Brothers of America” and called for religious tolerance to end fanaticism. India has a rich history and people from around the world respect us for it. But some communal forces are trying to divide us.”
Ramanath Rai further said, “If I being a Hindu speak about communal harmony, I will be called an anti-Hindu, if a Muslim speaks of communal harmony he will be called an Anti-Muslim. This is called “pseudo-secularism”. Now, will they call Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, Vallabha Bhai Patel pseudo-secularists? They all worked for communal harmony. For political gain, the BJP leaders are inciting people in the name of religion. If we want a secular country and a strong nation, we need to fight against the fascist forces being united. We oppose the CAA, NRC and NRP because it is anti-constitutional. If anyone wants to be a leader within a short time, you need to deliver inciting speeches. If you criticize other religions you can be a leader very soon which is dangerous to the country. We the politicians, media and the society should oppose the fascist forces who are destroying our country.”
Congress leaders Kodijal Ibrahim, Sashidhar Hegde, Appi and others were also present.
