BJP's Tiranga Yatra turns into anti-Opposition campaign in Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 21: The national president and other senior leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party, who were in the city to participate in Tiranga Yatra, tried to give a new definition to “nationalism” by depicting those who raise voice against union government as anti-nationals.

Speaking at a public meet organized by the saffron party in the name of 'Balidana Smarane' (honouring martyrs) on Mangaluru University campus as part of the Tiranga Yatra', BJP supremo Amit Shah accused the Congress party of backing anti-national ideologies.

Making a veiled attack on those who condemn Hindutva nationalism of BJP and promote secular nationalism, the BJP chief said that some people misuse freedom of speech to camouflage their anti-national sentiments. "Such people should be isolated," he said.

In the backdrop of the controversy over an Amnesty International India (AII) event in Bengaluru, where “anti-national” slogans were allegedly raised, Mr Shah said that people of the country should unite against “those anti-nationals”.

Mr Shah also seized the opportunity to promote his party with an eye on next Assembly polls and called B S Yeddyurappa, who was present on the stage as “Chief Minister in-waiting.” Responding to their leader's statement, the jubilant BJP workers began to raise slogans in support of Mr Yeddyurappa.

Abbakka to be honoured

Prior to this Mr Shah garlanded the statue of Rani Abbakka at Ullal Circle. Abbakka Utsav Samithi president Dinkar Ullal submitted a representation to Mr Shah urging the Union government to name Mangaluru International Airport after Rani Abbakka. Also, at least one train starting from Mangaluru Railway Station should be named after Abbakka, the forum has requested the government in the memorandum.

The Samithi said one circle each in New Delhi, Bengaluru and Mangaluru should be named after Abbakka. The life story of Abbakka should be included in primary and high school curriculum. A theme park on Abbakka should be set up on 10 acres of land at Ullal, the Samithi has demanded.

The security was beefed up for Shah's programme. Senior police officers monitored the security arrangements. Along with CRPF Commandoes, a large number of police were deployed at the venue. IGP (Western range) Arun Chakravarthy, DCPs K M Shantharaju, Dr Sanjeev Paril and others had camped at the venue till the end of the programme.