Mangaluru: Defending State minister B Ramanath Rai, Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee leader Shashidhar Hegde said, “Ramanath Rai has been an MLA for six times from Bantwal constituency. He became a leader after working for the party from grass root level and reached various positions. In his public life, he has contributed a lot for the development of the society.”
Addressing a press conforence, Hegde said, “BJP is frustrated over the good works by the Congress, hence when the elections are approaching it wants to create tension in the society for political mileage. As district in-charge minister, with responsibility he had suggested superintendent of police to arrest those involved in giving communally inciting speeches. Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat has given several provocative speeches at various places which also has triggered violence. Hence with responsibility as the in-charge minister, he had asked SP to check such incidents. Ramanath Rai is right. He has done his job.”
“Carried away by those provocative speeches, only the youths from backward classes are in jail and their families are suffering. Communal tension has hindered the development of the district,” he added.
Corporator Ashok D K, T K Sudhir and others were present.
