Mangaluru: Backing Congress leader D K Shivakumar’s decision of erecting a 114-feet long Jesus Christ statue at Kapala Betta in Kanakapura, MLC Ivan D’Souza said that there was no political reason behind his move.
Addressing the media here on Saturday, January 4, Ivan said, “According to BJP leaders, Shivakumar’s move to erect Jesus Christ’s statue in Kapala Betta is to appease Sonia Gandhi. Meanwhile, some others allege that it is a Congress party strategy to secure votes. But those who criticise Shivakumar’s decision are unaware of the real reason. There are proper documents that show the existence of a Christian community in this region since 1662. Kapala Betta was popularly known as Yesu Betta and offerings are made by the people to Jesus on Fridays here.”
“It is a known fact that Karobele Kapala Betta Development Trust was formed in the year 2016. Through this Trust, an application was sent asking for land for religious purposes through MLA D K Shivakumar and MP D K Suresh. The government agreed to provide land for the Trust only after it was mentioned in a cabinet discussion. As an MLA, Shivakumar did his duty and helped to obtain land for the Trust,” Ivan said and added that the Christian community will be forming a delegation to meet Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa as well as the Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala to discuss and settle the issue.
Congress leaders A C Vinayraj, Naveen D’Souza, Lancelot Pinto, Rolphy D Costa, Sushil Noronha, and others were present.
