BJP trying to create communal divide through blatant lies: Ramanath Rai

Mangaluru, Oct 10: Accusing Bharatiya Janata Party of to create a communal divide through blatant lies in Karnataka, forest minister B Ramanath Rai said that the leaders of the saffron party lack moral right to target Congress.

Speaking to media persons in the city, he said that the BJP was targeting the state's Congress government with blatant lies in the absence of any concrete issues.

"BJP leaders are now searching for potholes on roads in Karnataka. Let them search potholes on national highways in the state. BJP leaders, who have nothing to say about their achievements, are trying to stake claims for the work done by the Congress government," Rai said while elaborating on the construction of a new building for Government Lady Goschen Hospital in the city.

"It was former union minister and senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily who sanctioned funds through Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) to construct a new building for Lady Goschen Hospital. BJP leaders, however, have been trying to project it as a central government scheme. BJP leaders are trying to confuse voters with doctored facts," Rai alleged.

He said the assembly election will prove that people are with the Congress. "Our party never supported massacres. While SDPI and BJP fight each other in Karnataka, CPI (M) and RSS are the cause for bloodsheds in Kerala," he said.

Who is Muthalik?

Rai lost his cool when he was asked about Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Muthalik's statements. "Who is Muthalik? Have Hindus handed over the responsibility of protecting the religion to him," he said.

Muthalik had on Sunday made a controversial remark asking every Hindu to keep a sword at home for self-protection.

"Some people are trying to make their presence felt in society by giving controversial statements through media. Muthalik, who wants to be in news, is making such remarks. He is trying to divide society in the name of religion."