BJP practicing religion for political benefits: Ramalinga Reddy

Bengaluru: Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy made a strong rebuttal against BJP calling the state Congress government “anti-Hindu,” and alleged BJP for practicing religion for politics.

Addressing the media, Reddy argued that he is a Hindu, and Hindus in the Congress practiced their religion out of faith.

Reddy pointed out that it was normal for politicians to visit temples during elections and everyone celebrated Rama Navami and Hanuman Jayanti.

“The BJP is desperate as the Congress is set to retain power in the state and return it at the Centre after the coming elections to both. It is a cycle and the BJP is now riding the wave. But after the next elections, it will fall at the Centre and the Congress will come to power there. In the state too the Congress is set to retain power, and this has made the BJP anxious,” he said.

Addressing the issue on Paresh Mesta’s death he said the state was ready to cooperate with the CBI which was investigating it. Justifying BJP’s claim that 22 Hindu had been murdered in communal incidents in the state in recent years, he said eight were murdered over personal issues.

Responding to BJP MP, Shobha Karandlaje daring the Chief Minister to arrest her, Mr Reddy said it was neither the duty of the Chief Minister nor of the Home Minister to arrest anyone. It was up to the police to do so and they would if they had to.

In reply to a query, he denied that any molestation had taken place on MG Road and Brigade road during the New Year eve celebrations.