MLC Manjunath Bhandary and Congress district president Harish Kumar have called for the immediate resignation of MLA Harish Poonja following an incident in Beltangady. Here’s a summary of their statements:
Criticism and Call for Resignation
Addressing the media at the Congress office in Mallikatte, MLC Harish Kumar condemned MLA Harish Poonja’s actions, stating that they have disappointed the people of Beltangady and insulted residents of Dakshina Kannada. He emphasized that Poonja had promised to uplift the taluk but failed to deliver on his commitments.
Allegations Against Poonja
Kumar accused Poonja of supporting individuals involved in sand and quarry mafia, highlighting an incident where Poonja allegedly insulted police officers after they arrested a rowdy sheeter, Shashidhar Shetty, for possession of explosives used in quarry mining.
Demand for Accountability
MLC Manjunath Bhandary provided details of the incident, reiterating that Shetty’s arrest was related to explosives found during an investigation into quarry mafia activities. Both Bhandary and Kumar stressed the importance of politicians acting as role models and criticized Poonja for his alleged association with rowdy elements.
Concerns Over Political Statements
The Congress leaders expressed concern over Poonja’s recent statements and actions, suggesting a lack of respect for Hinduism and local traditions. They urged Poonja to focus on improving Beltangady rather than making inflammatory statements.
Support for Law and Order
When questioned about the police’s response, Harish Kumar defended the deployment of additional personnel for safety reasons. Bhandary clarified that the offence Poonja was involved in was bailable.
Confidence in Congress Government
The leaders expressed confidence in the stability of the Congress government and criticized BJP leaders for allegedly undermining law and order.
In conclusion, MLC Manjunath Bhandary and Congress district president Harish Kumar demanded MLA Harish Poonja’s resignation and emphasized the need for accountability and responsible governance.
