Mangalore: 'Mega Fight' turns into mega chaos between BJP, Cong members

Manju Neereshwallya
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Mar 27: An open discussion between leaders of different parties organized by Kannada news channel at Nehru Maidan here on Thursday March 27 turned chaotic after a fight broke out between Congress and BJP activists following a question on RSS chief Dr Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat.

The 'Mega Fight' programme was organized by Suvarna News channel. Ramanath Rai from Congress, Capt Ganesh Karnik from BJP, M R Vasudeva from AAP and Yadav Shetty from CPI (M) participated in the debate.

After the leaders spoke, the session was thrown open for questions from the audience. One by one, members from different parties and the public asked questions. The first three questions and answers went on smoothly.

Trouble erupted at the fourth question, reportedly asked by an SDPI activist. Addressing his question to Ramanath Rai, he asked, "You have been promising to arrest Kalladka Bhat but so far have not taken any action. You are cheating the minorities."

At this, Congress and BJP started shouting slogans and one person, reportedly from the Bajrang Dal, demanded to know why he wanted to bring religious issues into a political debate. Congress members came to the defense of the SDPI member and said he had a right to ask the question. This led to further arguments, and chaos and confusion broke out in no time. A person said to be from SDPI, picked up a handful of mud and threw at another person's face which further escalated the situation.

The police rushed to control the mob and resorted to lathi charge.

Finally, the programme was called off and after much exchange of words and physical brawl, the mob dispersed.