Kannada protagonist and Chaluvali Vatal Paksha leader Vatal Nagaraj on Sunday claimed that the row over Hijab and ban on Muslim traders from temple festivals in Karnataka was part of the “BJP’s strategy” to face the next Assembly polls in the State without the blessings of former Chief Minister B..S. Yediyurappa.
Mr. Nagaraj, who held a demonstration in Mysuru on Sunday demanding a Government policy on employment for Kannadigas and curbs on screening of non-Kannada movies in the theatres, said the ruling BJP in Karnataka was in no position to return to power without Mr. Yediyurappa at the helm. Hence, the Hijab controversy and ban on Muslim traders from jathres have been raked up for electoral dividends, he alleged.
Criticising the denial of employment to Muslim traders as “anti-constitutional”, Mr. Nagaraj appealed to the organisations demanding the eviction of Muslim traders from jathres to give up their campaign.
He also criticised the opposition from right wing groups to the historical practice of conducting rituals in the name Tipu Sultan in Kollur Mookambika temple. The 18 th Century warrior king was a “hero”, whose contribution to the country was immense, he said while accusing the BJP of glorifying “falsehoods” and misleading the public.
Mr. Nagaraj also came to the defence of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has become the target of attack by BJP leaders. He said the former Chief Minister has already clarified that he had not shown any disrespect to the Seers and accused the BJP of conspiring against Mr. Siddaramaiah for political purposes. He expressed hope that the Seers will understand that the BJP was trying to defame the Congress leader.
Mr. Nagaraj, who held a demonstration near Sri Jayachamarendra Wadiyar circle, earlier known as Hardinge Circle, regretted that the State Government had ignored the woes of Kannadigas, who were facing unemployment problems.
Contending that Kannadigas were fast becoming a “minority” in their own state, Mr. Nagaraj urged the State Government to come up with a policy that ensures employment for Kannadigas.
Complaining that Kannada films were “sidelined” in Karnataka at the cost of non-Kannada films, he urged the State Government to announce a policy that puts curbs on screening of non-Kannada films in threatres across the State. While the threatres in Karnataka were flooded with non-Kannada films, no Kannada films were screened in threatres of the neigbouring States.
