Massive turnout expected for PFI’s Bengaluru conference

Bengaluru, Oct 14: Popular Front of India, which is facing the prospect of a ban by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government, is all set to flaunt its strength in Karnataka as thousands of its members across the state are toiling restlessly to make the organisation’s grand conference in Bengaluru a grand success.

The organisers expect unprecedented turnout for its conference being held at the Palace Ground with a slogan “we also have something to say” on October 15. Women and children are also expected to take part in large numbers. The social media cell of the PFI has been actively campaigning for over a fortnight. For past couple of days it is trying to trend #BengaluruWithPFI on twitter. The organisers have also sought the support of JD(S) leader supremo H D Deve Gowda and a few other prominent politicians in the state.

According to a release issued by the organisers, the cultural activities will begin at 1 p.m. and the formal programme would be inaugurated at 2:30 p.m. by E Abubaker, Chairman of PFI. Muhammed Saqib, the State President of Popular Front will preside over the conference.

H D Deve Gowda, Oscar Fernandes, Former Union Minister, Moulana Muhammed Umrain Mehfooz Rahmani, National Secretary, All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Jnanaprakash Swamiji, Urilingapeddi Mutt, Mysuru,  K.S. Puttannaayya, MLA, Melukote, Zameer Ahmed, MLA, Chamarajapete, Naseer Ahmed, Chairman, Minority Commission, Karnataka, B T Lalita Nayak, Former Minister, AK Subrayya, Former President, Kannada Pustaka Pradhikara,  Kodihalli Chandrashekhar, State President, Rajya Raita Sangha, Hasirusene, B. Gopal, President, Praja Parivartana Party,  L. Hanumanthayya, former MLC,  Mohan Raj, State President, Dalit Swabhimani Sangarsha Samiti, B.R.Bhaskar Prasad, State Convenor, Dalit Damanitara Swabhimani Vedike, are the invited guests.

A release issued by the PFI state that the organisation has its presence throughout the country with many lakhs as its members and many more lakhs as its supporters. “From its inception, it has been trying to empower the downtrodden by actively engaging them in social, educational, professional and political fields. For decades, the organization has been resisting democratically against the fascist forces. These forces, apart from spreading hatred in the society, are working vigorously against some of the fundamental rights guaranteed to each and every citizen of the country,” it said.

“After the BJP came to the power in the Centre the denial of the fundamental rights has become rampant. Anyone critical of the Government or the BJP is promptly labeled “anti-national”. The licenses of thousands of NGOs have already been cancelled by this government. It has banned IRF, the organization founded by the religious scholar Zakir Naik. Various other organizations are in verge of getting banned. The activists have been falsely accused, defamed, imprisoned for the crime of criticizing the Government. Numerous false allegations were made on Teesta Setalvad, which has made her embroil in legal battle against the state. Criticizing the government is now considered as an act of treason,” it said.

“The BJP has been misusing the investigative agencies for political purposes. The NIA is allegedly investigating PFI as it is critical of BJP and RSS. A few media houses which have become the propaganda tool of the current regime have been spreading lies against the organization. To expose the lies spewed by them and unveil the truth, the organization has started a countrywide campaign with the rallying cry “We also have something to say”. Various programs including massive conferences have already been held throughout the country,” it added.