Kerala culture? Never hurt an ant: K C Venugopal

Bengaluru: Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka, K.C. Venugopal, said his party was against divisive politics and promoted communal harmony and therefore was not imposing "Kerala culture" as alleged by state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa. 

He told Deccan Chronicle he was surprised when Mr Yeddyurappa charged him with instigating violence against caste Hindus in Dakshina Kannada district. "In my life, I have not hurt even an ant. My party and I strongly believe in communal harmony and inclusive growth. Who am I impose to Kerala culture on Karnataka? I am not imposing any culture, be it Kerala or Karnataka, on anyone. As a true Indian, I love Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu or any other state. My bosses have given me an assignment of strengthening the Congress for which I am devoting my entire time," he added. 

He sought to clarify that he was following principles of 'Ahimsa' taught by the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. His party was a strong believer in 'Ahimsa' and not 'Himsa' (violence). In fact, his party workers in  Dakshina Kannada were asked to strive for restoration of peace, communal harmony and tranquility. "Our party is not interested to gain political mileage of such 'unfortunate' incidents".

Without mincing words, Mr Venugopal said he had asked the state government to deal with the situation firmly without bothering whether the miscreants were caste Hindus or Muslims. "Both Hindu and the Muslim extremists look different, but both have a common goal of dividing people. The immediate task is to re-establish peace in strife-torn areas. It is heartening to note that Mr Siddaramaiah has given strict instructions to cops to restore peace".

Mr Venugopal said the Congress planned conventions in all districts for three months beginning next month in view of polls to the Assembly. One round of conventions were completed in divisional headquarters to strengthen the party.