Congress leader and former Mangaluru corporator Prathibha Kulai recently invited controversy when she offered a reward of ₹ 1 lakh to anyone who blackens the face of BJP Dakshina Kannada district Vice President Jagadish Adhikari.
Jagadish Adhikari had allegedly made derogatory remarks against the Billava community, the community’s legendary twin hero-deities Koti-Chennayya and Congress leader B Janardhana Poojary, who also belongs to the aforesaid community. This incident drew sharp criticism from all quarters. Following Jagadish Adhikari’s comments, Vishwa Hindu Parishad Division Secretary Sharan Pumpwell too had demanded an unconditional apology from the BJP leader.
On Saturday, Jagadish Adhikari tendered an apology for his statements.
In a video clip uploaded on Facebook, that has subsequently gone viral, Prathibha Kulai said, “Adhikari should arrive at Garadi (the chief shrine of Koti-Chennayya) and tender an apology by offering ‘tappu kanike’ (expiatory donation) within three days. Or else, anyone from the Billava community can smear ink to his face. I will give ₹ 1 lakh reward to the person.”
She also insisted that Adhikari should tender an apology by falling at the feet of Poojary.
“Many youths are in jail for the sake of BJP and its leaders. Our youths do not have the power to question such an attitude in BJP,” she lamented. “Many call me as anti-Hindu. I have not issued any anti-Hindu statements. I have just said if you want die, then join organisations. The organisations should be in favour of the religion and not against the religion,” she stated.
Prathibha Kulai also urged the BJP leaders to expel Adhikari from the party. “Or else, Billavas, who constitute 60 % of the population in the district will give a befitting reply in the next election,” she threatened.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered under Sections 295 (A) and 505 of Indian Penal Code against Jagadish Adikari over his remarks by the Moodbidri Police based on a complaint by Raju PK, president of Brahmashri Guru Narayana Swamy Seva Sangha. The Sangha is an association for mainly members of the Billava community.
Legal opinion has also been sought regarding the video uploaded by Prathibha Kulai, according to Mangaluru Police Commissioner Shashi Kumar.
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