Mangaluru: With the clear intention of earning political profit from communal hatred, following the Ulaibettu clash, Tejaswini Gowda of Bharatiya Janatha Party (BJP) – who in the past called pro-Hindu activists as ‘cowards’, showered praises on them, Monday, terming the right wing activists as ‘fighters for the nation’.
‘Cowards’
The former Congress MP, Tejaswini Gowda had severely criticized the activists of the Sangh Parivar, for advocating a Taliban culture. “They are cowards. They are shameless”, she said about the right wing activists, in an interview with a Kannada news channel, while reacting to the home stay attack, which occurred in 2012.
Quoting an anecdote of Lord Krishna in mythology, Mrs. Gowda said, Hindu religion does not advocate violence. “India is not a religion which belongs to Hindus, like Pakistan is of Muslims. India is a secular country”, she told the channel.
“If they have guts, let them hit rapists, those husbands who abandon their wives and children. This moral policing is a Taliban culture. It cannot be justified and the police must take immediate action”, she said.
‘Fighters for the nation’
On Monday, Tejaswini Gowda, who parted company with the congress to join the BJP, took a different stand. Taking part in the protest, following a scuffle between two religions in Ulaibettu, she sang praises to the right wing activists, apparently taking a political advantage.
In her high-voltage address to the irate crowd, Mrs. Gowda said, “Hindu ideology is for the good of the nation. You all should be ready to sacrifice your life for the country. Hindus are peace-loving people. It does not mean that we keep quiet when our community is at stake”, she said.
“I will always be there with you. When Hindu community is victimized, I will join you in protest. Call me at least five hours in advance, and I will join you wherever I am. Let us show commitment in protecting our Hindu country”, she said expressing solidarity.
Mrs. Gowda, accused the congress ruled state government of appeasing the minorities and victimizing the Hindu community. Congress is anti-Hindu. The police have filed false cases against the Hindus, she said.
Muneer Katipalla, social activist called the changes in her statements as a political gimmick. He said, “Tejaswini Gowda is an example of how the politicians misuse communal issues to spread hatred among people. People should not listen to such people. They only divide people to win elections”, he said.
When contacted Tejaswini Gowda over phone, she refused to comment on it.
