Moodbidri: BJP leader K P Jagadish Adhikari tendered an apology over the objectionable words he spoke about Koti-Chennayya, revered Daivas of Tulunadu and former union minister and senior politician B Janardhana Poojary.

He said, “I have not made a mistake deliberately. I think that there is forgiveness for my wrong doing.”

The video of Adhikari’s statement about Koti-Chennayya and Poojary went viral on social media and netizens expressed their rage and asked him to tender unconditional apology.

“Janardhana Poojary is my political guru. The Billava community is my heart. I said something incorrectly without thinking. I am also an ardent devotee of Daivas. I also adore Koti-Chennayya along with Panchashakti. Among the Garadis of the district Garadi of my family’s elders is also there,” Adhikari said while speaking at a press conference on February 7.

He further stated that if his actions have embarrassed the party then he will be neutral and was even ready to quit the party. He said that he will cooperate completely with the investigation if anyone files a complaint with the police in this regard.

“I have visited the house of Poojary and enquired about his well-being. He is the strength of this nation. I do not have the capability of even a strand of his hair. In case, if this issue continues, I may even take retirement from politics. I am ready to sacrifice nation and body for this reason. But I wish to die in this country, where I am born. We have the legal right of opting for Sallekhana Vrata in our Jain community. I have not committed this mistake intentionally,” he said.

District BJP president Sudarshan has served notice to Adhikari to tender an apology to the Billava community. In the notice served to Adhikari, Sudarshan said that BJP will not tolerate insulting talks about historical personalities, leaders of a particular community or derogatory speech against any particular religion.