Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Feb 14: Fans and supporters of tainted former state minister, Krishna J Palemar, solidly backed their icon by taking out a silent procession and holding a protest meeting thereafter in the city on Monday February 13.
Addressing the protestors, former MLA, Kumble Sundar Rao, accused certain vested interests of clandestinely drawing up plans to sully the minister’s reputation and to cause his downfall by linking him to the watching of porn video when the legislative assembly was in session.
The silent procession, titled ‘fight against injustice’, was led by ‘Krishna Palemar Abhimani Balaga’ from Jyoti Circle to the office of the district deputy commissioner, where a protest meeting was held.
“Palemar is facing only an allegation, his crime has not yet been proved. Such allegations were also levelled against Yeddyurappa, Kumaraswamy, and others in the past. Who is behind corrupting the minds of the people and influencing them to doubt the integrity of our leader? Why are the people not acknowledging the noble qualities of the minister? If Palemar gets out of politics, he will not lose anything, but the district will,” Rao warned.
He also questioned the character of the Congressmen, who are throwing their might behind efforts to tarnish Palemar’s standing. “Does the JDS state president, who has married twice, have the moral right to raise questions on this issue? Where were these Congressmen, when their leader, N D Tiwari, was caught having sex with girls who are younger to him by several decades? We are sure that Palemar will come out clean in the inquiry, and get back his reputation and power,” he said.
Former city mayor, Shankar Bhat, speaking on the occasion, said that the attempts to fix Palemar in the case have brought in a sense of frustration in him. “As soon as his name was mentioned, Palemar resigned from his post. There is no doubt that a well-planned strategy is working behind the efforts to indulge in his character assassination. But, no one will be able to subdue him in this manner,” he added.
BJP minority Morcha leaders, Abdul Aziz Bykampady and Hamza Bengre, also spoke on the occasion. Yogesh Kumar Jeppu, Mahabala Kadambodi, Kalpana Venkatesh, and others were present.
Before the meeting, hundreds of staunch followers of Palemar, wearing black badges and holding pro-Palemar placards, went in a silent procession. Corporators, Rajani Dugganna, Ganesh Hosabettu, Jayanand Anchan, Tilakraj, Prema, Santosh, Amitakala, Madhukiran, and many others participated.
President of the organization, J K Rao, welcomed. A petition addressed to the Chief Minister, seeking to restore the ministerial position, respect and honour to Palemar, was handed over to the deputy commissioner.