Davangere: Following a scathing remark by BJP legislator Renukacharya, targeting the Muslims, the national party has distanced itself from the opinion presented by the MLA.
Karnataka BJP spokesperson S Prakash said, “The party distances itself from such statements. He (Renukacharya) has made these statements in his personal capacity and the BJP has nothing to do with anything he said.”
However, another party spokesperson G. Madhusudhana said: “We will review what he (Renukacharya) said, the context in which he said it, and act against offenders if weapons are found in mosques.”
Karnataka’s ruling BJP legislator M.P. Renukacharya, on Tuesday accused Muslims of storing lethal weapons, including swords, knives and soda bottles, in mosques across the southern state.
“Instead of offering prayers (namaz), Muslims are storing weapons in mosques and their priests (khazis) are giving fatwas instead of sermons,” Renukacharya said at a pro-CAA rally in his home town Honnalli in Davenagere district, about 300km from Bengaluru.
A former minister in the previous BJP government (2008-13), Renukacharya is currently the political secretary to Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa since August 2019.
Expressing disappointment over the non-participation of the minorities in the pro-CAA rally, the MLA had said he was disheartened by the radical change in them (Muslims) against him and his party, even though he never differentiated or discriminated against anyone.
“As an MLA for all, I have been hosting Muslims, embracing them and offering them tea and snacks when we meet. If they don’t want me, then I too will keep away and won’t ask for their votes,” Renukacharya said.
The opposition parties have demanded a probe and action against Renukacharya for his remarks.
