Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have launched a fierce attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government, accusing it of deliberately targeting Hindu devotees and sentiments. The controversy stems from police cases filed against participants of the traditional 'koli anka' (cock fighting) ritual held at the Ullalthi shrine in Kepu village, Puttur constituency.
Political Condemnation and Allegations of Bias
Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta, alongside BJP MLAs D Vedavyas Kamath, Y Bharath Shetty, and MLC Kishore Kumar Puttur, strongly condemned the police action. They also criticized the booking of a case against BJP district president Sathish Kumpala, who visited the shrine following the incident.
MP Brijesh Chowta articulated the party's stance, alleging a pattern of harassment since the Congress assumed power. "After the Congress came to power in the state, it has become a tradition to target Hindu sentiments regularly," he claimed. He further accused the government of using the police to undermine coastal cultural art forms like Yakshagana, kambala (buffalo race), and koli anka.
The leaders emphasized that koli anka is a devotional ritual where roosters are offered to ward off evil and ensure societal welfare. They stated the practice is a long-standing tradition during annual festivals at many 'daivasthanas' (spirit shrines) across the coastal district.
The BJP's Stance and Legal Considerations
While clarifying that the party does not support illegal activities like betting, Chowta argued that police action should not hurt religious faith. "Police have cited betting as the reason to conduct raids and book cases against devotees. We also do not support illegal activities, but any action should not hurt the sentiments and the Hindu faith," he stated.
He urged the state government to frame clear guidelines after public consultation to allow the traditional practice to continue. The MP also lashed out at District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, pointing out a contradiction. He noted that while the minister had verbally expressed no objection to traditions like koli anka and kambala, his words seemed to hold no value as police action continued.
Chowta warned that the BJP would explore legal options to address the situation and would raise the matter in the state legislature, seeking amendments to protect such traditions.
MLAs Question Government's Selective Enforcement
Adding to the criticism, Mangaluru City North MLA Y Bharath Shetty defended the Kepu shrine, asserting that betting or gambling is never entertained during its koli anka events. He questioned the government's selective focus, asking why it does not show similar zeal in preventing the slaughter of sheep conducted in the name of other traditions.
Echoing this sentiment, Mangaluru City South MLA Vedavyas Kamath pointed to alleged inaction in other areas. He claimed that numerous illegal slaughterhouses operate in Mangaluru, but the police have not taken suo motu action against them, implying a bias against Hindu practices.
The united front presented by the BJP legislators indicates this issue will become a significant point of political contention, especially with the coastal district preparing for a series of upcoming festivals where similar traditional rituals are performed.
