“Touch even one Congress worker if you dare…”: Ramanath Rai to MLA Bharath Shetty

Mangaluru: Former Minister and KPCC Vice President Ramanath Rai has challenged BJP MLA Dr. Bharath Shetty Y, calling him a “nalayak” (incompetent) politician for his remarks about “slapping” Rahul Gandhi. Rai dared Shetty to touch even an ordinary Congress worker in the district if he had the strength and courage.

Speaking at a press conference at the Congress Bhavan here on Tuesday, Rai criticized Shetty for using derogatory terms, such as “huchcha” (nutcase), to describe Rahul Gandhi.

Rai said, “Such language is unacceptable. The BJP has made numerous accusations against me as well, questioning my birth and making allegations against my mother. This is typical of BJP’s behavior. However, we do not stoop to such levels. We may have lost (the elections) in the district, but we are not defeated. The government should file a suo motu case against him.”

Bharath Shetty is a “Small-Time Politician”: Ivan D’Souza

MLC Ivan D’Souza also criticized MLA Bharath Shetty, calling him a “small-time, uncultured politician” who has disgraced the MLA’s position. Shetty is unfit to be a legislator, Ivan said.

Taking exception to Shetty calling Rahul Gandhi a “dog,” Ivan said “even a dog has more sense than Bharath Shetty”.

D’Souza also accused MLA Shetty of making provocative statements about taking up arms and demanded that the Police Commissioner file a suo motu case and arrest him immediately.

He further challenged Shetty, saying, “Even the Prime Minister cannot face Rahul Gandhi, so what is the worth of a small-time politician like Bharath Shetty?”

“The central government will not last for another six months, and that is why Shetty is speaking recklessly on the streets. If he has the courage, let him try to hit me,” Ivan said.