The political atmosphere in coastal Karnataka has heated up after local police, allegedly on government orders, obstructed a centuries-old traditional cockfight event. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a sharp attack on the ruling Congress, framing the intervention as a direct assault on the religious and cultural heritage of the region.
BJP Leader Condemns Government's "Unnecessary Intervention"
Dakshina Kannada BJP president Sathish Kumpala spearheaded the criticism following the incident in Kepu village, Puttur, on Sunday. Kumpala, who visited the site, stated that the Congress government's unnecessary intervention led to police obstructing the tradition of cockfighting, locally known as 'Koli Seve'. He characterized this move as a "direct attack on the religious sentiments of the coastal people."
Elaborating on the historical significance, the BJP leader claimed that the traditional practice in the Kepu area of Vittla has been conducted in a disciplined manner for approximately 800 years. He emphasized that it is an integral part of the coastal region's religious and cultural fabric, conducted without gambling or illegal activities, and has never been a source of public unrest.
Accusations of Anti-Hindu Stance and Failed Leadership
Kumpala did not mince words in accusing the local Congress leadership of failing its constituents. "The Congress MLA of the constituency completely failed to protect the people's religious beliefs," he said. He expressed deep disappointment that despite the presence of local legislators, a centuries-old practice was being halted.
The BJP district president escalated the rhetoric by alleging that the police action, taken on government orders, "reveals the Congress government's anti-Hindu and anti-people stance." He argued that targeting a single religion and continuously hindering its practices is unacceptable in a democratic society.
Demands and Warnings of Intensified Protests
Following the obstruction, Kumpala, along with party workers and the public, has made a clear demand for discussions with the police authorities. Their central plea is that this religious practice, with its 800-year legacy, should be allowed to continue without any restrictions.
The leader also issued a stern warning, indicating that the matter is far from over. He stated that if permission is not granted to conduct the traditional 'Koli Seve' in the coming days, intense protests and struggles will be organized in collaboration with the local community and the wider public. This sets the stage for a potential confrontation between the state government and cultural traditionalists backed by the opposition BJP in the coastal belt of Karnataka.
