Mangaluru: District in-charge minister B. Ramanath Rai on Monday asked the public to boycott programmes/conventions which are aimed to promote communal agenda and divide the secular fabric of the society

Speaking to the reporters here in the city, Mr. Rai said those who deliver inflammatory speeches should be condemned by society altogether.  “It’s the common people who will be in trouble because of few miscreants. The society should boycott them”, he added, giving example of a convention in Puttur, which resulted in communal clashes.

To a point, Mr. Rai said that the government cannot stop the organizers from holding any programmes. It’s their constitutional right. We can only ask the organizers to refrain from promoting their communal agenda”, he said and continued saying that the police have all the right to take suo motto action against those who indulge in hate speeches. 

The minister also asked the organizers to restrain from promoting communal agenda during public programmes. “No religion teaches hate. Instead, contribute to the development of harmony among religion. And, do not fight in the name of religion”, he added.

 “Whenever I address public functions, I promote communal harmony. My religion is congress. It has taught me secular values”, he said asking the people to boycott programmes which is addressed by people who advocate communal violence.