Bhatkal: The Bhatkal Block Congress has leveled serious accusations against the BJP, alleging that the party is orchestrating plans to ignite tensions in Bhatkal once again by emotionally provoking people during every election.

Bhatkal Block Congress President Venkatesh Naik vehemently criticized the BJP for the removal of a flagpole at Tengingundi port. Backed by evidence, he revealed that a local resident had submitted an application to the Heble Panchayat on February 5, 2022, seeking permission to construct a Veer Savarkar platform. Simultaneously, an application was submitted for the installation of a nameplate for the Jamia Colony Jumma Masjid. However, the Heble Gram Panchayat administration rejected the application for the construction of the Veer Savarkar platform and granted permission to the Muslim community for the installation of the Jamia Colony nameplate. Naik pointed out that, at that time, the Heble Gram Panchayat was administered by BJP supporters, and the Bhatkal BJP Mandal president was a member of that panchayat. Additionally, the MLA representing the Bhatkal-Honnavar Assembly Constituency at that time belonged to the BJP, and the Karnataka government was also under BJP governance.

According to Naik, it is evident that the BJP attempted to incite riots in Bhatkal under the pretext of removing the Veer Savarkar flag platform in Tengingundi. He acknowledged the respect for the saffron flag but criticized the BJP state spokesperson's statement that they would erect flagpoles in all circles if the Tenginagundi flagpole is removed. Naik emphasized that anyone from the BJP wanting to build a flagpole near their house faces no objection.

In his scathing criticism, Naik also raised questions about the murder cases of BJP leaders Dr. Chittaranjan and Timappa Naik, as well as the investigation into the death of Paresh Mesta in Honnavar, calling for a CBI probe. He accused the BJP of politicizing the Paresh Mesta case during elections, only for the CBI, under their own BJP government, to confirm it as a natural death.

Naik mentioned an incident where a senior police officer's vehicle was set on fire, blaming Muslims for Paresh Mesta's murder, leading to the plight of poor families' children facing ongoing legal battles. He criticized the BJP for playing politics with the lives of the children of impoverished households.

Moreover, Naik cited a widely circulated photo depicting BJP leader CT Ravi purportedly consuming meat at the residence of former Bhatkal MLA Sunil Naik before entering the temple, despite his claims of having consumed cauliflower (gobi). He also accused BJP MLA Sunil Kumar in Karkala of deceiving people on the construction of a Parshuraman idol and MP Anantakumar Hegade of engaging in business with Muslims while publicly opposing them.

Naik challenged BJP leaders to engage in open discussions to clarify their stance on Hindu interests. He highlighted the contrasting actions of Minister Mankal Vaidya and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who have built temples and mutts, questioning the BJP's claim of being pro-Hindu.

Concluding his address, Naik urged the BJP to present more guarantees, implement them, and win elections without resorting to actions that could inflame the town.

Present at the gathering were various congress leaders, including Ex-president of Uttara Kannada Zilla Panchayat Jaishree Moger, Ex-vice-president Rama Moger, Bhatkal Mahila Congress President Naina Naik, Taluka Panchayat Ex-president Ishwar Naik, APMC Ex-president Gopal Naik, Bhaskar Naik, District Secretary Vishnu Devadiga, Abdul Majeed, Narayan Naik Yalvadikavur, Durgadas Moger, Ganapathi Naik, Jattappa Naik, Rajesh Naik, Venkatraman Naik, Ramesh Naik, Ishwar Moger, Krishna Kumar Naik, Nagendra Naik, and others.