Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Apr 28: Videos of Mangaluru South BJP candidate Vedavyas Kamath's wife puportedly seeking votes in the name of religion have gone viral.
In the two viral videos, Kamath's wife and other women supporters are seen appealing to groups of people to vote for BJP in order to 'save Hindutva'. In one video, a woman is even heard mentioning such phrases as 'love Jihad' and naming a suspected rape victim, which is in violation of law.
Actor Prakash Rai shared one of the videos on Twitter, slamming the BJP for seeking votes in the name of religion. "Look at a BJP candidates wife begging for votes on the basis of a religion in mangalore south /karnataka ... shame on ur communal politics. Is this your "Sabki saath sabka Vikas" (sic)," he tweeted.
Hitting back, Mangaluru South BJP Mahila Morcha turned the tables on Prakash Rai and accused him of giving religious colour to the canvassing by Vedavyas Kamath's wife.
Manjula Rao, president of BJP Mahila Morcha said, "Leave the issues of religion and caste to commoners like us. We will do whatever politics we like. We need not learn anything from you (Prakash Rai) in this matter."
Manjula continued her barrage against the actor and said, "You are an actor. Right now you have gone above the realms of religion, caste etc and become a saint. Your enlightenment has brought happiness to us. However, we need not learn anything from you about religion and caste.
"Why is Prakash Rai, who condemns the atrocities on women in Kashmir or other parts of the country, mum on the similar incidents that are carried out in broad daylight in our coastal district? He did not utter a single word on the murders of Deepak Rao and Sharath Madivala. Where was he then?" she questioned.
Manjula vented her anger on Prakash by saying, "We do not comment on the personal life of Prakash Rai. If we speak on his personal life, it will be clear as to how much respect he has for Hindu religion and women. When we speak about others, our principles, action and words should be clear and clean.
"It is true that wife of Vedavyasa Kamath is seeking votes in her husband's favour. She will continue doing so. She has clarity on what she does. She is making the voters understand as to why they have to cast their vote to BJP. Why does Prakash Rai, who craves for money, property and awards given by others, not contest elections? Why can't he contest in the elections, win and cleanse the country?" she said
Manjula further questioned Prakash and said, "Hindu religion is not against other religions. Let him try to understand this. Hindu religion is a culture. If asking people to unite under Hindu religion is a crime, then what we can expect from people like Prakash Rai?
"We have information that Prakash Rai is going to take part in the conference, sponsored by Congress with the aim of the coming assembly elections at Ullal. If he is really a saint who has kept a distance from religion, caste and society, then why he is taking part in this conference? What does he intend to convey to the public? Does this not mean that he is canvassing for Congress? Instead of playing this drama let him get into the election arena. Why this kind of cowardliness?" She questioned.
Kathyayini Rao, vice-president of Mahila Morcha, Poornima Rao, chief secretary and Poornima, corporator were present in the press conference.
Watch canvassing video