Udupi: The Udupi District Congress on Thursday staged a protest at the Jatka Stand condemning the alleged hate speech made by BJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Senior Congress leaders accused the MLA of making divisive statements and demanded that he withdraw his remarks, while party workers symbolically protested by throwing eggs at his poster and burning a banner carrying his image.
The protest witnessed the participation of several Congress leaders and workers from across the district, who criticised the BJP legislator and alleged that his comments were intended to provoke political confrontation.
Niketh Raj Maurya criticises MLA
Addressing the gathering, KPCC spokesperson Niketh Raj Maurya said Yashpal Suvarna’s remarks had been heard across the country and reflected his political ideology.
He said the Congress followed the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, while accusing the BJP of adhering to an opposing ideology. Maurya said the Congress would not resort to the kind of language allegedly used by the MLA and added that the party believed in peace, humanity and non-violence.
Referring to Rahul Gandhi and the Gandhi family, Maurya said the family had made immense sacrifices for the nation and questioned how anyone could claim to “destroy” Rahul Gandhi.
He further alleged that the BJP was unsettled by student protests over the alleged NEET scam and claimed that the people would respond democratically in future elections.
Sorake accuses MLA of disturbing harmony
Former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake alleged that sustained protests by the Congress had forced the BJP leadership to respond to the controversy.
He said Udupi had traditionally been known for communal harmony and accused Yashpal Suvarna of attempting to create divisions through provocative statements.
Sorake also criticised the MLA’s conduct, alleging that he lacked political maturity and was making irresponsible public statements.
Congress leaders target BJP MLA
Campaign Committee convener Sudheer Maroli alleged that Yashpal Suvarna had made the controversial remarks to strengthen his position within the BJP.
Maroli claimed that even some BJP supporters privately considered the remarks inappropriate. He also criticised the MLA’s public conduct and questioned the silence of other BJP leaders over the controversy.
Congress leader Shubodh Rao alleged that the remarks against Rahul Gandhi were made after the Congress leader extended support to students protesting over the alleged NEET scam. He further claimed that BJP leaders had failed to express condolences following the reported deaths of students linked to the controversy.
These allegations were made by Congress leaders during the protest. There was no immediate response from Yashpal Suvarna in connection with the statements made at the event.
Workers stage symbolic protest
As part of the demonstration, Congress workers threw eggs at a poster of Yashpal Suvarna before setting fire to a banner bearing his image after applying a combustible substance.
The symbolic protest was carried out amid slogans condemning the MLA’s alleged remarks. Police personnel monitored the protest to ensure law and order.
Party leaders participate
Several Congress leaders and office-bearers participated in the protest, including Udupi District Congress president Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, Manjunath Poojary, Gopal Poojary, Dinesh Hegde Molahalli, Muniyal Uday Kumar Shetty, Krishnamoorthy Acharya, Prasadraj Kanchan, Kishan Hegde Kolkebail, Udupi Block Congress president Ramesh Kanchan and Udupi District Mahila Congress president Jyothi Hebbar.
The protest concluded with party leaders reiterating their demand for action over the alleged remarks and urging political leaders to maintain decorum in public discourse.