NewsKarnataka-Mangalore

Mangalore: Senior BJP leader and former chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda who visited Ullal along with a delegation of BJP leaders on February 13, Thursday, has clarified that his visit was not politically motivated.

Speaking to reporters after visiting Mogaveerapatna which witnessed violent incidents recently, Gowda said he visited the place to gather information which will facilitate the debate on the issue in the Assembly on Friday.

The former CM said it was wrong to take political advantage of such incidents. He said  a personal rivalry had led to a communal clash in Ullal. Stressing the need for stringent punishment to the guilty, he however said it were the innocents who often get trapped in such cases. Pointing out that six high school children have been arrested, he said  the police have to ensure that innocents are not punished.

He said it is not enough if the police department holds peace meet at times of tension, but suggested that such meets are held regularly.

Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP, Monappa Bhandari, Capt. Ganesh Karnik, MLCs, Yogish Bhat, former MLA, Krishna Palemar,  Nagaraj Shetty,former ministers, Jayaram Shetty, former MLA,  Sadananda Bangera, President of Mogaveera Sangha and others were present.

The BJP delegation visited Shree Vyaghra Chamundeshwari Temple and later  visited  the houses  of those affected in the violence.