Mangaluru: Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader has spoken on the recent stabbing of two BJP workers in Boliyar village, part of the Mangaluru Assembly constituency in Dakshina Kannada district.
The incident occurred when BJP workers were returning from a celebration marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third-term swearing-in ceremony.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Khader said that Boliyar village is known for its communal harmony and urged that the incident should be resolved by the villagers and police without external interference. He stated that outsiders staying out of the matter would be their greatest expression of patriotism.
Khader noted that the reputation of the village has been tarnished by the actions of a few youths, and he requested that no outsiders politicize the issue. He stressed that politicizing the matter would not gain anyone extra votes. Reflecting on his own experience, he mentioned that despite attempts by two parties to defeat him in the previous Assembly election, he prevailed. He warned that those who try to politicize and create problems are the real traitors.
Khader also mentioned that anyone can raise slogans hailing Bharat Mata, and no one objects to it. However, the situation escalated when someone allegedly hurled abusive words. The police are currently reviewing CCTV footage. He criticized the youth who returned to the scene after the procession and raised provocative slogans, as well as those who attacked in retaliation.
Local complaints about the provocative slogans have been lodged with the police, and Khader stressed that there is no need for outsiders to intervene. He assured that if someone approached him claiming they did not receive justice from the police, he would look into it, though he has not received any such complaints.
Khader urged the police not to harass innocents and advised against making a big issue if the police summon someone for an inquiry. He also called for action against those spreading fake voice messages on social media platforms.
Khader explained that politicians visiting the site of such incidents could create confusion, which is why he refrained from visiting the village. He requested that villagers be left alone to resolve the issue with the police and locals. He clarified that he does not support those who have committed wrongdoings and acknowledged the strict actions taken by the police. His absence from the village and the injured was to prevent further complications, he clarified.