Will end untouchability, says Narayanaswamy after he was denied entry into Yadava settlement

Tumakuru: A day after BJP MP Narayanaswamy was denied entry into a Gollarahatti (settlement of Golla community) of Pemmanahalli in Pavagada taluk of Tumakuru district, he said that was ‘pained’ that such practices continued even today.

The MP said he tried to convince those who prevented his entry that he was there for developmental work and not for any political reason. “Some among them wanted me to go in, but I moved away with the intention that there should not be any differences between the people within the community leading to clashes,” he said.

“But, in the days to come I will certainly work towards eradicating such superstitious beliefs in the community and for their development,” he added.

Tumakauru Deputy Commissioner K Rakesh Kumar said meetings will be held in the village to sensitise the locals and if needed he would also visit them.

“I will have to get the report on what was the reason for their (people) conduct. If we get to know who has done, we can bookcase under SC/ST Atrocities act,” he told reporters.

A video of the MP talking to people and trying to convince them by asking them whether he should work for their development or not was telecast in local news channels.

In the video, Narayanaswamy can be seen telling people that he has come to do good for them but a section of them were adamant on not letting him inside hatti. Meanwhile, some villagers told local TV channels that according to their traditions, “Dalits cannot enter” their community settlement. Any ‘violation’ of the tradition would result in “something bad” happening, they claimed adding there were precedents.

Another villager admitted that the MP had come for a good reason. But said people have been following certain traditions for long. “I apologise to the MP if he is pained,” he added.