Puttur: Despite disagreement within the congress party in Karnataka, a local congress leader Hemanth Shetty on Wednesday launched the Bharatiya Hindu Parishat (BHP) in Puttur, about 50kms from here on the auspicious day of Makara Sankramana. It was launched at 10.30am with the blessings of Keshavananda Bharati seer of Yedaneeru and Esha Vittaldasa seer of Kemaru.
Hemanth Shetty said that an organizing committee has been formed comprising 108 members in fifteen days. As there’s a good response, we will start in all taluks of the district. Later, we will think about starting in all taluks of the state, he added.
Regarding the threat of being ousted from the party, Shetty said that the organization is not connected to the party. Why will they expel me? What wrong have I done? This has no connection to the party, hence I don’t need permission. I firmly believe the party won’t interfere, he said.
He further stressed that the BHP is not to counter the VHP but to show the Congress is all-inclusive. “I am floating the outfit in my personal capacity, not as an offshoot of the congress”, he reiterated.
“There is absolutely no direct connection to the Congress” he said. I’ve seen many congressmen who have gone to the Hindu Samajotsava organized by the VHP. Have they been ousted from the party? Saffron should not be taken as symbol of VHP or BJP. It’s a universal symbol of Hindus”, said Shetty.
Earlier, Edaneer Mutt Swamiji said that the Hindutva principles should be adopted in order to lead a better life. While, Kemaru seer said that the sacred temples have been converted into commercial centres.
Parameshwara had said if the BHP is launched, the Dakshina Kannada district unit will be asked to take disciplinary action against Shetty. “The congress is an inclusive party. There is no question of the party being against any faith. Deviating from this will invite action”, he had said. Besides, Chief Minister
Siddaramaiah and former Union Minister B. Janardhana Poojary expressed resentment citing congress as secular party.
