Bhatkal: Speaking at a press conference of Congress, Bhatkal Block Congress President Venkatesh Naik expressed concern over the baseless allegations made by BJP members against the Congress leadership, accusing them of fueling religious discord.

According to Naik, Congress does not oppose the worship of Lord Ram; however, he criticized BJP leaders who, after their defeat in the last assembly elections, are attempting to manipulate the public by distorting the statements of the district in-charge minister, Mankal Vaidya. He argued that the BJP is adopting a divisive policy, attempting to exploit religious sentiments for political gain. Naik firmly asserted that such divisive politics by the BJP would not be effective this time.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the distribution of 'mantrakshate' before the installation of the idol in the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Naik clarified that there was nothing wrong with this practice, as blessings are not distributed before the pooja anywhere. He accused the BJP of distorting the minister's words on this matter.

Naik highlighted that the Congress is a party that unites people across religions, castes, and classes. He emphasized that during its rule, the party has respected all religious places and has not interfered with any. Naik defended Mankal Vaidya, stating that, even during his tenure as an MLA, he provided funds for the development of temples, mosques, and churches without discrimination. Naik offered to provide a summary at any stage detailing the funds allocated by Vaidya to religious places.

Regarding the Ram Mandir construction, Naik mentioned that as it is not fully completed yet, top four Sanatan Hindu Dharma spiritual leaders, also known as ‘Shankaracharyas,’ and leaders of many parties, including the Congress, have decided not to participate in the inauguration ceremony. Naik criticized the BJP for using the Ram Mandir for electoral politics.

Congress District Vice President Rama Moger added that the BJP president lacks information, leading him to make baseless allegations about Minister Mankal Vaidya. Moger asserted that everyone present at the conference is a devotee of Ram. As elections approach, Ananth Kumar Hegde from the BJP has also emerged, and Moger urged the BJP to disclose the completion status of development works in the district funded by the Member of Parliament. He questioned the utilization of funds and demanded transparency regarding the funds allocated.

Other notable figures present at the conference included Former Zilla Panchayat President Jaishree Moger, Women Congress President Naina Naik, Block Congress General Secretary Suresh Naik, Narayan Naik, Masti Gonda, Jagdish Gonda, Revathi Naik, Meenakshi Naik, among others.