BJP Leader Eshwarappa’s Remarks ‘Christians are Not Loyal & Honest Citizens of India’ Fumes Christians
Mangaluru: After slamming Muslims earlier, Christians are now being targeted by Karnataka BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister K S Eshwarappa as he undermined the party’s ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas’ slogan. He justified denying tickets to Christians, saying that Muslims and Christians had not been given party tickets since they were not loyal to the country. In a controversial statement, KS Eshwarappa said “Lok Sabha tickets cannot be distributed to Muslims and Christians under quota. Tickets should be given to those who are loyal to the country.”
But later after media questioned him about his remarks, speaking to reporters Eshwarappa had said, “What will be the country’s condition if the tickets be given to the minorities who are not loyal to the country. Therefore BJP gave no ticket under quota. We will not give…We will not give ticket to Muslims in Karnataka. Why? (Because) they do not believe in us. If they believe and vote for us, if they understand us, we will see. Congress only used Muslims as a “vote bank. My remarks was in response to a specific question about Iqbal Ansari, a political leader from the district, getting ticket from the BJP. “Correction: I’m not the hater of any community, including Muslims. My statement was about a question asked, ‘Will Iqbal Ansari get ticket from BJP? Whenever a new person joins he is not given any post, he has to work hard and earn the post”
But Eshwarappa’s clarification didn’t pacify the Christians, instead hundreds of Christians gathered at ‘Gandhi Statu, Gandhinagar-Bengaluru to protest against his controversial statement on Saturday, 13 April 2019 at 11-30 am. The protest was held under the leadership of Harry D’Souza, President of Karnataka Christian Social Welfare Association, and prominent leaders of various Christian associations, where they demanded that Ishwarappa withdraw his Statement ,that- “Christians are not Honest and Loyal Citizens of India”, and tender an immediate apology. It is learnt that over 15 TV reporters interacted with the protesters.
Speaking to Team Mangalorean over the phone, Harry D’souza said, “The Christian leaders have expressed their anguish that how Eshwarappa could make such comment about Christians in India. Christians also contribute to the nation in all sectors, specially Education, Health and Social welfare which is spread across India. Christians outreach to the poor, neglected and the marginalized,specially in the rural areas is par excellence. Is it not” This “Model of Social Service” been replicated by all other in India by Government, NGO’s, Corporate CSR and religious communities in India ?. Is not, Eshwarappa acting contrary to PM Narendra Modi’s “Sab Ke Sath Sab Ke Vikas”?”
“Whether, Bharat Ratna St. Mother Terresa (Christian), who cared for the destitute ,poor and marginalized, Bharat Ratna Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam (Muslim) and Defense Minister Late George Fernandes (Christian) under whose leadership “Phokran- II” was conducted, were all Traitors of the nation according to Eshwarappa’s logic? This person has brought bad name to BJP by alienating many Christians who are BJP supporters. No one can point a finger at Christians when it comes Honesty, Integrity and Patriotism” added D’souza.
Harry D’souza further said, “Does it mean PM Modi and Party President Amit Shah are also wrong for having given ticket to a Christian to contest from Kerala for the forth coming elections. Then, why is that Eshwarappa’s grand children study in Christian schools? Therefore, we categorically demanded immediate apology from Ishwarappa to save BJP party from further damage to their party image”.
.Pericho Prabhu, Arun Fernandes, Edward D’Souza Konkani of Christian Association President and office bearers; Kennedy, Dilraj Sequeira, Ms.Ida D’Cunha, Kumar Tiwari and various prominent leaders belonging to various political parties and different Associations, among many Christians had joined in the silent protest. As per Harry D’souza, they are also having a silent protest holding placards in front of Eshwarappa’s house in Shivamogga on 17 April 2019.Those interested to join in this protest may contact Harry at 9448315408.
Harry D’souza and his team are also negotiating with Christian organizations in Mangaluru also to have a silent protest against the same issue in Mangaluru on Tuesday, 16 April 2019.
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