Exclusive: Prasad Attavar distances from SRS, forms Rama Sene; explains split
Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Oct 28: Prasad Attavar, a well-known leader of the Hindu community, has been at the frontline of various Hindu outfits over the past decade and a half. He served as a leader in the Bajrang Dal for nearly 8 years after which he was with the Sri Rama Sene for almost 6 years. And today, walking out from all these outfits, Prasad Attavar has founded a new outfit - Rama Sena (different from Sri Rama Sene).
In an exclusive interview to Daijiworld, Prasad Attavar, reveals the hidden agenda behind some of the Hindu organizations, role of BJP and RSS in dividing the Hindu unity, drawbacks of some of the leaders in today’s Hindu outfits and the reason behind the formation of his new outfit- ‘Rama Sena’.
Further in the interview, he also reveals some delicate information with relation to the present scenario and the hidden political agenda, and his opinions on some of the present issues in society.
Past and present Hindu society: Reason for changes
"The true and genuine Hindu religious views that existed in those days were later used for political motives, because of which we were compelled to distance ourselves from some people. The number of cases booked against the activists of the Hindu outfits is greater during BJP rule, compared to that of other administrations. Hence, lots of true activists are still scared to enter any outfits as they are likely to be booked under more cases. Today’s top leaders Sharan Pumpwell, Subash Padil, Kumar Malemar and others were under my leadership. During those days, there was only one outfit - Bajrang Dal - and it was quite strong.
"Later, the entire system completely shattered due to the BJP, especially due to their hunger and desire for money. Unlike in the earlier times, today’s leaders are more interested in money-making, rather than social service. Not all, but a few leaders have become corrupt and misled the youth."
Pub attack
"Sri Rama Sene had carried out the pub attack a few years ago (2009) and from there the name and fame of Sri Rama Sene and Pramod Mutalik came to limelight. The pub attack did not focus on communal lines, only the protection of girls, be it Hindus, Muslims or Christians. After such incidents, attacks, and even after sending memorandums to the state government, we can still find some pubs functioning across the city."
Church attacks
"Any Hindu outfit must see to it that it doesn’t cause injustice to other religions. I have never been against any religion. We have not attacked any churches or mosques, but the earlier attacks were on the conversion centers and not any churches. The conversions have been carried out by some particular people in the society and not generally Christians. Till date, I have respect for all the religions and I have a good relationship with people of all the communities and religions. While the BJP is urging its activists to divide the society on religious lines, its leaders maintain good relationships with other religions."
Pumpwell picnic bus attack
"Earlier, we had carried out an attack on a picnic bus at Pumpwell. The staff of a gold and saree showroom in the city were on a picnic and we had warned the concerned in advance and as he did not respond, we had to forcibly stop it. Even Hindu organizations will have girls from other communities working for them, but it is not acceptable if we try to push those girls into prostitution just because they are not from our community. Some from a particular community are widely doing such anti-social things.
"Every religion worships women as mothers and hence, we must look into that aspect before we do such things in the future. We all, be it Hindu, Muslim, or Christian, are children of Mother India and we must see to it that we don’t affect the sentiments of other religions.
"After the attack on the picnic bus in Pumpwell, the RSS leaders had directed that Praveen Valke and Vinay L Shetty be kept out of the outfits. This was not accepted by many and thus, the united and the then sole Hindu outfit was shattered into pieces as a few remained and others walked out and formed other outfits."
Cow slaughter
"A few medicines and cosmetics that are available in the markets are made of raw materials from cows. These products are widely used by many, including Muslims and Christians. If cow can give us such good things, then why must a particular religion support cow slaughter? If other religions also work against cow slaughter, then there is no cause for communal clashes with relation to cow slaughters. Then the Hindu outfits also wouldn’t be called communal."
Sowjanya rape and murder case
"Dharmasthala is a devotional land and it has been worshipped by many, not only Hindus, but also devotees of other religions. Dr D Veerendra Hegde is the one who gives justice in Dhramasthala. Even he has been saying that he is ready for any type of investigation. I am confused as to why this case has still not been handed over to the CBI.
"I don't want to carry out a protest in this regard just to grab publicity, as various others have been doing till date. But in case the law fails to give justice to Sowjanya, Rama Sena is ready to do it. We are even ready to shoot dead the culprits, at any cost; it does not matter if we lose our life doing so.
"Police have completely failed to investigate the matter; why is the case not being handed over to the CBI? There is a need to revolt against this issue."
'Pramod Muthalik spoiled youths'
"Muthalik was an able and dynamic leader when he first entered the Shiv Sena. But today, he has lost his leadership quality, especially in the recent days, after he asked for a seat from the BJP. Muthalik had also mentioned during the inaugural ceremony of the Sri Rama Sena that we will chop the hands and legs of any leader who walks out of the outfit. And I would like to question him face to face as today, he is the one who wants a seat in the BJP.
"Muthalik would have had a little bit of respect, in case if he would have sought the seat for any of his activists, and not himself. And this is another reason for the formation of Rama Sena. Muthalik has indeed spoiled the lives of many youth due to his own agendas and after all this he has now planned to join BJP, leaving his followers stranded. Many have come out of his circle, as they have decided that he is not an able and fit leader."
BJP and it’s 'hidden agenda'
"Before BJP came into power, the RSS leaders were chanting the Hindutva Mantra, but after BJP came into power, they are now running behind patriotism. The MP election is fast approaching and people are much more with Modi’s brand of ideology and not the BJP.
"BJP has been doing its best to spread defamatory and unwanted comments against me. They have also tried to spread the news that I have open business transactions and connections with underworld dons Ravi Poojary, Vicky Shetty and others. Neither I nor my associates have any such contact with the underworld. This defamation has indeed hurt me."
MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and Niddodi power project
"Nalin Kumar Kateel’s speech remains a speech and never becomes a reality. He has done nothing for the people of Mangalore. Funds have been flowing towards Mangalore, but one can’t find any worthy development being carried out. Development is zero under his rule. He doesn’t even know to read or write English, yet he is the MP of Mangalore.
"For the next election at least, give the seat to any educated youth and not to people like him. His name itself has the word ‘Kateel’ in it, yet he has been supporting the Niddodi project which is likely to destroy a very sacred place like Kateel.
"It is clear that without Nalin Kumar Kateel’s and Jagadish Shettar’s signature, the Niddodi project file wouldn’t have moved forward. It is likely to destroy not only Kateel temple, but also the mosques, churches, and the surroundings. I am ready to fight against this project without even caring for my life."
United Hindu society back to form?
"The Hindu society itself will not allow the Hindu society to get united. A few leaders and activists are running behind money. Hence, the true spirit of religionist and patriotism does not exist in them. While political parties indulge in strikes and protest, a Hindu outfit must revolt."
Why Rama Sena?
"I have registered Rama Sena, not against Pramod Mutalik, RSS, BJP, or Congress. Rama Sena adheres to the principles of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama, that is, truth, righteousness, and justice. This outfit is by the people, for the people, and by the nation, for the nation. We do not follow the Shanthi Mantra (peace), but we believe in Kranthi Mantra (revolution). And even if any leader or the society questions me with regard to anything after going through this interview, I am ready to face them, even if it is chief minister Siddaramaiah.
"Our service is for the nation and even if Muslims and Christians want to join hands with us, we are ready to accept them, including any leader of the existing outfit, provided he gives up the desire for fame and money. Our religion will be safe, only if our nation is safe. The ones who have divided the society are the political parties. I would like to request all the religions not to support any communal clashes. Rama Sena always adheres and respects law, but at certain times when the law fails to give justice, we are forced to take law in our hands."
Message to newcomers in Hindu outfits
"The students and the youth who enter any Hindu outfit must first look after their own house on priority and then go for social service. In these days, nearly 90 percent people who enter outfits come with the intention of earning fame or money, especially by jumping into political parties. The activists must work in the outfits for themselves and their own satisfaction and not for the satisfaction of the outfit, as it is likely to ruin one’s life."