Mangaluru/Bengaluru, Jan 23: A day after two senior functionaries of the BJP — a deputy chief minister and a political secretary to the chief minister — made provocative speeches against a minority community, Nalin Kumar Kateel, state president of the saffron party, on Wednesday issued a gag order, banning functionaries from talking on issues without the party’s approval.
Deputy CM Govind Karjol and Honnalli legislator MP Renukacharya had passed comments castigating Muslims, in the process seriously denting the image of the party which is trying to avoid controversies in its efforts to allay fears on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The comments come on the heels of Ballari City legislator Somashekara Reddy warning Muslims at a pro-CAA rally of repercussions if they do not fall in line.
Kateel said a gag order has been “clearly” communicated to all concerned at a recent meeting that he and chief minister BS Yediyurappa had chaired. “Our message to party functionaries is in line with what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told his council of ministers and party MPs — to focus on their work and constituencies rather than comment on issues. Let them leave this task to official spokespersons of the party,” Kateel said.
However, it appears the message hasn’t gone through to Renukacharya, Yediyurappa’s political secretary. A day after courting controversy by saying anti-nationals were using mosques to store weapons, Renukacharya said he stood by his comments and launched a fresh tirade against madrasas, saying they were manipulating youth and encouraging terrorism.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Renukacharya said: “In our [temple-run] institutions, nothing anti-national is taught. We only teach values that are mandated for life. But at madrasas, youth are manipulated by teaching terrorism. Why do we need such schools? The majority of those accused of terrorism are Muslims.”
He immediately followed up this comment by saying he did not imply all Muslims were terrorists. The Honnalli MLA justified his comments saying he did not receive a single Muslim vote in the 2018 assembly elections. “They [Muslims] come to us seeking our help. They want the BJP for development, but when it comes to elections, they vote for Congress and JD(S),” Renukacharya said. He said no “special packages” will be distributed to Muslims in his constituency.
Comments
Mr.Ibrahim Kodijal please ask SSF to know the meaning of Jihad then start awareness programme. They still don't know the meaning of Islam, now they are going to create awareness.
Mr.KKBhat, Followers of British, Killers of Gandhi, how can digest this news. coz they always think how to fool the poor people of India.Call your Sudhir chowdary or Arnab go swamy to make fake report on this issue.
Oh confused ...finally rally against soolibele & Butt, sharan, & other terrorists ..
good move SSF ...
or this is under the banner of Southindian Sulibele Fan ??
Better you start this campaign from RSS headquarter in Nagpur as terrorism began from their. Shame on you SSF leaders as you are sharing stage with RSS terrorist and now start Campaign in the name of terrorism.
Sad that now a days members of terror community themselves projecting as anti-Jihadists just to confuse nationalists. This is a drama.
Lucky Aseemananda and Prajna Singh in jail, otherwise they would have cheif guest for this programme.
Soolibele and Pejavar is Madrasa & Peace ammbasador for SSF respectively.
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