Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Feb 25: Reacting to a law student’s remark of BJP president Amit Shah as ‘Bundle Shah’, minister B Ramanath Rai said that the aim of education institution is to impart quality education. The student made a mistake but it is not appropriate to suspend him from the college, he said.

He was referring to the incident wherein a law student of Vivekananda College had termed the BJP national president as ‘Bundle Shah’ on his Facebook page, and faced action from college authorities.

Speaking to reporters in the sideline of a programme on Saturday, February 24 at 80 Badagubettu, Manipal, Rai said, "The private institution has suspended him from the college which could ruin the life of the student. It is up to the organization to revoke their decision or to suspend him. The problem could have been resolved through dialogue. When using freedom of expression, criticism is very natural. This act clearly shows the atmosphere of suppressing freedom of expression."

Speaking about the frequent visits of Amit Shah and Congress president Rahul Gandhi to the state, he said, "The mandate of people is very important. We are proud that people are in our favour. It is the people who decide their elected representative. We are going into elections with the purpose of development work. Any politician should meet people only after completing the promises made during the elections.

"Nowadays, voters are fooled by emotional speeches while casting votes. It is as if passing a message to society that anyone can win the election even if she/he does not work. But people should be wise in electing their candidate."

Speaking about BJP leaders, forest minister Rai, "BJP leaders in the centre ask their local leaders about how many protests have taken place and how much lathi charges have been reported or how many ‘golibaris’ have been reported and how many people have died in the state. It is not necessary to ask the criminal activities in the respective assembly constituency. They are taking all credit by saying that all development works were carried out by the central government grants.

"MP Shobha Karandlaje always speaks about the vandalism of Congress party. If anyone has exploited Dalits, it is them. In one such instance, there is the main accused Namo Modi Brigade leader, Naresh Shenoy who is suspected in the murder case of RTI activist Vinayak Baliga. He gets the VIP pass to meet Prime Minister and roaming around with them fearlessly in public. BJP should know what they are before pointing fingers at others.

"BJP party workers did not take part in the Independence movement rather joined hands with the British. It may be a small thing to them but not for Congress. Jawaharlal Nehru did not simply become the Prime Minister. He went to jail for India. He became the Prime Minister of the country to protect the country. Opposition needs to understand these simple things.

"The opposition is criticizing the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi without any reason. They must commend her instead of sullying her name. Rajiv Gandhi was elected by people and thus became the prime minister. The same blood is in Rahul Gandhi. Let the opposition party leaders know the historical background of Congress leader before commenting about him.”

"There is no impact of the visit of BJP president or PM Modi in the state," Rai added.