BJP fuelling communal hatred in district: Rai

Mangaluru: Former Minister Ramanath Rai on Monday accused the BJP of fuelling communal hatred in the district.

Speaking to the reporters, Rai said, “BJP is sowing seeds of communal hatred by targeting a community in the district. Efforts are being made to divide people on basis of religion. People are asked not to buy anything from the shops run by members of a minority community. Muslims are not allowed to do business in temple fairs and they are also boycotting Halal meat.  “Grave damage” is being done to social harmony by the Bharatiya Janata Party.”

“The BJP  claims that Muslims are not allowed to do business in temple fairs only because they observed bandh opposing the Hijab verdict. This is not true. Three years ago, the Muslim traders were barred from temple fairs,” he added.

He further said, “BJP is also trying to defame national icons. People like Nehru fought for the country’s freedom and worked to build it. But presently, the BJP is trying to defame those who sacrificed their lives for our country.”

“Congress was not involved in any communal violence that happened in the district. People from two religions were involved in the acts. They were not associated with Congress. We never believe in taking revenge and only follow the constitution,” he opined.

Rai also criticized the BJP government in the Centre on the soaring fuel prices and the cost of other commodities.