'Like Babri Masjid, destruction of Bhatkal mosque guaranteed': Karnataka BJP MP

‘Like Babri Masjid, destruction of Bhatkal mosque guaranteed’: Karnataka BJP MP

BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde on Saturday said the Bhatkal mosque in Karnataka would meet a fate similar to that of the Babri Masjid, which was demolished in 1992 by Hindu ‘kar sevaks’.

“The destruction of Bhatkal Mosque is guaranteed like Babri Masjid. This is not the decision of Anantkumar Hegde, but the decision of Hindu society,” Hegde said.

The BJP leader also accused the Congress of dividing Hindu society for centuries and labelled them as “anti-Hindu” and “against Sanatana Dharma”.

Furthermore, the BJP MP targeted Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, calling him the real opponent rather than the Congress itself. Hegde criticised those seeking minority votes, implying that they were adversaries to his cause.

He further said, “Siddaramaiah first said he had not received an invitation to the inauguration of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. Then he said that he wouldn’t attend it. I would like to say, whether he comes or not, the inauguration of Ram Mandir will take place.”

In response to Hegde’s statement, Siddaramaiah said that, “This is the manner in which they express themselves. Can we demand respect from individuals who engage in political discourse? Politically, the use of offensive language may not affect me, but it reflects on their character.”

Notably, BJP Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara also reacted to the BJP MP’s comments, saying, “When he (Anantkumar Hegde) speaks, it should be done responsibly. He has remained silent for the past three years, only reappearing during elections. While we don’t object to him expressing opinions, if those statements are abusive, defamatory, provocative, or intimidating, the police department will take notice, and we will address it legally.”

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