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Daijiworld Media Release – Mangaluru (ANK/DV)

Mangaluru, Feb 6: Congress leaders in the district have demanded BJP vice president Jagadish Adhikari to apologise for his remarks on Tuluva legendary heroes Koti-Chennayya and the Billawa community.

Leaders from the Congress party, spoke at two press meets on Saturday February 6. At a press meet at Congress Bhavan, district Congress president Harish Kumar said, “What was the need for Jagadish Adhikari to speak about senior leader Janardhana Poojary and insult him? It is our culture to touch feet and seek blessings. It is not compulsory but those who like will seek blessings by touching feet.

“Adhikari also tried to create hatred between castes. Billawa community is not biased. It has garnered love and faith of the people.

“We condemn such statements made by Adhikari. Being in a respected position, he should speak responsibly. BJP leaders including the MLAs and MP should clarify their stand on this issue and what kind of action will be taken against Adhikari. BJP leaders should clarify if the Billawa community is limited only for votes or will these leaders will take a stand,” he said.

Harish Kumar demanded apology from Adhikari within seven days or else warned of holding protest.

Former Mayor Kavitha Sanil said, “Koti-Chennayya is not limited to one community. Today, several Billawa youths are in jail because they were use just for political gain.”

Corporator Praveen Chandra Alva, Anil Kumar, Congress leader Shobha Keshav, Rakesh Devadiga, Purushottam Chitrapur and others were present.

Jagadish Adhikari should apologise for his remarks: Prathibha Kulai

Former Corporator and Congress leader Prathibha Kulai on Saturday February 6 slammed BJP leader Jagadish Adhikari for his remarks on Koti-Chennaya and Billawa community.

Addressing a press meet here, Kulai said that BJP district vice president Jagadish Adhikari should openly apologise and after offering 'Tappu Kanike' (alar) at Garodi. "If not, we are ready to fight against him.

“Koti-Chennayya are still alive in the hearts of people in Tulunadu. Even today, several people have witnessed the miracles of Koti-Chennayya at several Garodis. Hence, we severely condemn the remarks made by Adhikari, a politician who does not know history. Such statements by the BJP leaders who speak on religion and Gods as if they have taken them on contract is really astonishing.

"Adhikari is a foolish politician who does not know the history of Tulunadu. He need not test the patience of Billawa community. Who has permitted him to insult the achievements Koti-Chennayya? Janardhana Poojary is an untainted politician of undivided Dakshina Kannada. Adhikari has lost his conscience. For the remarks that he made on Koti-Chennayya and Billawa community, he should apologise, If not, in the coming days we will hold a severe protest against him,” she said.

Annayya Anchan Mulki, BK Tharanath, Suryanarayan Hoasabettu, Rajesh Kulai, Charan Sanil, Jagadish Amin were present.