Karnataka: Congress rallies behind MLC Ivan D'Souza after stone-pelting incident
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2024-08-24 05:52 GMT
Mangaluru: The Congress party in Coastal Karnataka staged a strong show of support for MLC Ivan D'Souza following a stone-pelting incident at his residence. The demonstration culminated in a protest meeting at Kankanady Circle, marking the end of a padayatra that began at D'Souza's home in Valencia.
Originally intended as a march to the BJP office, the padayatra was redirected to Kankanady, where Congress leaders and supporters gathered to denounce the attack and express solidarity with D'Souza. During the event, Congress leaders delivered sharp criticism of the BJP, accusing its leaders of attempting to silence D'Souza through false allegations.
Addressing the crowd, Ivan D'Souza defended his previous remarks, clarifying his stance on the political situations in countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Uganda. "I cited Bangladesh as an example of the consequences of defying the people's will and violating constitutional norms, not as a model to follow," he explained. D'Souza also condemned the stone-pelting incident, labeling it as a reflection of the BJP's "goon culture" and accused the party of twisting his words and filing cases against him across the state. "These actions reveal the BJP's affinity for violence, as shown by their admiration for the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi," he remarked.
KPCC spokesperson MG Hegde also addressed the protest, condemning the provocative statements made by BJP leaders. He emphasized that the Congress's principles of truth and non-violence would prevail in Coastal Karnataka. "In this region, Gandhi’s ideals will triumph, not the ideology of Godse," Hegde declared. He also criticized Mangalore North MLA Bharath Shetty's comments against Ivan D'Souza and Rahul Gandhi, describing them as unworthy of a legislator and harmful to communal harmony.
District Congress President Harish Kumar praised Ivan D'Souza for his commitment to addressing the issues faced by the underprivileged and his efforts to combat BJP corruption. Meanwhile, BJP leaders, including MLA Vedavyas Kamath and District President Sathish Kumpala, gathered in front of the district office in anticipation of the Congress’s planned padayatra to the location.
"While Congress activists initially intended to march to the BJP office, they ultimately retreated after recognizing the resolve and opposition of BJP workers. Upon evaluating the situation, Ivan D'Souza and his team decided not to approach the BJP office," stated District President Sathish Kumpala.
Originally intended as a march to the BJP office, the padayatra was redirected to Kankanady, where Congress leaders and supporters gathered to denounce the attack and express solidarity with D'Souza. During the event, Congress leaders delivered sharp criticism of the BJP, accusing its leaders of attempting to silence D'Souza through false allegations.
Addressing the crowd, Ivan D'Souza defended his previous remarks, clarifying his stance on the political situations in countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Uganda. "I cited Bangladesh as an example of the consequences of defying the people's will and violating constitutional norms, not as a model to follow," he explained. D'Souza also condemned the stone-pelting incident, labeling it as a reflection of the BJP's "goon culture" and accused the party of twisting his words and filing cases against him across the state. "These actions reveal the BJP's affinity for violence, as shown by their admiration for the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi," he remarked.
KPCC spokesperson MG Hegde also addressed the protest, condemning the provocative statements made by BJP leaders. He emphasized that the Congress's principles of truth and non-violence would prevail in Coastal Karnataka. "In this region, Gandhi’s ideals will triumph, not the ideology of Godse," Hegde declared. He also criticized Mangalore North MLA Bharath Shetty's comments against Ivan D'Souza and Rahul Gandhi, describing them as unworthy of a legislator and harmful to communal harmony.
District Congress President Harish Kumar praised Ivan D'Souza for his commitment to addressing the issues faced by the underprivileged and his efforts to combat BJP corruption. Meanwhile, BJP leaders, including MLA Vedavyas Kamath and District President Sathish Kumpala, gathered in front of the district office in anticipation of the Congress’s planned padayatra to the location.
"While Congress activists initially intended to march to the BJP office, they ultimately retreated after recognizing the resolve and opposition of BJP workers. Upon evaluating the situation, Ivan D'Souza and his team decided not to approach the BJP office," stated District President Sathish Kumpala.