Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (UM)
Udupi, Apr 24: ‘Do not divide people on the basis of religion. As per the tradition and Constitution of the country, we are all equals,” said cine actor Prakash Rai here in a press meet on Tuesday, April 24.
Rai is in city to participate in two private programmes. He was in Mangaluru on Monday, April 23.
“Fight elections on ideologies. Development should be the main motto of politicians. Why do not they follow Gandhi, Ambedkar and Abdul Kalam? Why they bring religion in elections?” he asked.
“More than 5 persons died in the region in the recent past as victims of political rivalry. They are all human beings. Do not classify them as Hindus and Muslims. Nearly 20 people are languishing in jails connected to these murders. Their futures are shattered. Why should we fight in the name of religion?” he said.
“We want development and not conflict. Let the people’s representatives work for people. They should be sent back home after two years if they do not perform. A strict law is needed for this,” he demanded.
“I am for people. I talk my mind freely. So I face trouble at times. Some say, the place I visit should be cleaned with cow urine. Please talk issues. Do not go personal. I was brought up in secular way as most of the people of the society. We don’t have to listen to communal forces,” he said.
“BJP does not believe in peaceful elections. So it may try to create problems. We need to be cautious. Amith Shah is called a strategist. He has used his brains in UP and Gujarat elections for his party. What he has done for the national development?” he questioned.
“Why to term people as anti-nationals when they speak truth? Why to threaten that they will be sent to Pakistan? There is no other nation? If I speak about demonetization and GST, how do I become anti-national and anti-Hindu?” he said.
“If BJP comes to power in state, and if Yeddyurappa is made chief minister, within three months there will be trouble. They will fight for power,” he warned.