Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Nov 24: Former union minister and Congress leader B Janardhan Poojary on Monday November 24 said that BJP has no moral right to protest over allegations of land encroachment against Congress ministers, when its own past was smeared with such charges.
His statement comes days after former chief minister and BJP leader Jagadish Shettar informed reporters in Mangaluru that BJP would hold a protest against the state government in Belagavi on December 9.
Addressing a press meet here, Poojary said, "BJP has planned a protest demanding the resignation of state minister for food and civil supplies Dinesh Gundu Rao and other ministers over allegations of land encroachment. BJP has no right to do this. It should recall its past."
"BJP leaders Yeddyurappa and his children, Katta Subramanya Naidu and his son, V Somanna, Murugesh Nirani, Sadananda Gowda and Jagadish Shettar are facing allegations in various cases, still BJP is demanding the resignation Dinesh Gundu Rao," he added.
"Sadananda Gowda's son is accused of deceiving a lady. If BJP leaders have any face, let them ask the resignation of D V Sadananda Gowda. Also, there are several union ministers who are accused in several cases. Even the PM and the BJP national president Amit Shah have criminal cases against them," Poojary said.
"Will BJP demand the resignation of PM and other accused ministers?" he questioned.
"The BJP is seriously becoming desperate without power in the state. BJP leaders have no knowledge. What if Congress or other opposition parties hold protest in the Parliament and not allow the proceedings? There were MPs in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha who did not allow the passing of any bill and instead protested. Hence, I am asking you (BJP) to take back your protest. If not, Even the Congress will hold protest against your minsters," he warned.
Slamming BJP leader Dr Subramanian Swamy for his statement about sending Congress president Sonia Gandhi to jail, Poojary said, "He had a one-man party, now he came to BJP with some expectations. Subramanian Swamy may not get even 10 votes in Tamil Nadu and now he is threatening Sonia Gandhi."
'Kiss of Love'
Strongly opposing the 'Kiss of Love' campaign planned in Bengaluru, Poojary said, "The state government should arrest those who participate in 'Kiss of Love'. There is a legal provision to do so under IPC 354(A), leading to three years of imprisonment. This is extremism to stop another extremism. If this is allowed, tomorrow school children and college students will also indulge in open kissing. Even in government offices there will be kissing and the government will not function.
Kambala Ban
When reporters asked him to comment on the ban on Kambala, Poojary said, "I cannot speak on the decree of the Supreme Court because it would be contempt of court. The present law minister has provision to amend the bill in the Parliament, or affidavit can be filed through the animal husbandry and veterinary sciences department terming Kambala animals as 'performing' animals. The Court may reconsider its decision."