Congress leader does a Varun in Karnataka

Chop the hands of Hindutva says Kagodu Thimmappa

M. Gautham Machaiah
Bangalore

Senior Congress leader Kagodu Thimmappa has done a Varun Gandhi in Karnataka by giving a call to chop the hands of Hindutva.

While Varun Gandhi shied away from naming any particular community when he made his infamous statement, “If anybody lifts their hand against Hindus, Varun Gandhi will chop it,” Thimmappa launched a frontal attack on Hinduism while campaigning at Shimoga.

Thimmappa’s ire was particularly directed against BJP’s candidate from Karwar, Ananth Kumar Hegde, who openly announced that he did not need the vote of Muslims as the majority community was with him. In his speech, Thimmappa not only questions the percentage of the majority population, but also mocks at the way ‘prasadam’ is distributed in Hindu temples.

On the face of it, the Congress leader’s diatribe appears to be as rabid as that of Varun Gandhi’s, if not worse. If Varun Gandhi can be arrested and booked under National Security Act (NSA), why should Thimmappa be allowed to go scot free for a graver offense?

Thimmappa’s attack on Hindutva is a clear attempt to divide the society on communal lines and create ill will among people who are otherwise living harmoniously. These pseudo-secularists are a bigger threat to the society than the proponents of Hindutva.

It is unbecoming of a seasoned politician like Thimmappa with socialistic leanings to play the caste card. Politicians like him should set an example to the youth instead of provoking them. By his irresponsible remarks, Thimmappa had done a great disservice not just to himself, but to Karnataka and the Congress.

It remains to be seen if the Election Commission will act with the same enthusiasm in this case as it did with Varun Gandhi. After all, everybody is equal in the eyes of law.


(Picture sourced from: http://www.expresshealthcaremgmt.com/20030731/ehm2003073102.jpg)
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COMMENTS
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Varun may not have directly named a community. But didn't his mom falsely accuse a police officer for opening fire against innocent persons near the jail by his religion, when in actual fact the officer was elsewhere on duty and nowhere near Pilibhit? In any case, everybody knows who are Varun's targets or, for that matter, those of his BJP supporters. Ultimately, all politicians think and act in the same manner, invoking caste and religious sentiments to reap the maximum votes. If BJP men are past masters in this game, Congress or those belonging to other parties are not far behind.
- Gabriel Vaz, Bangalore
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It is time these politicians stop speaking about religion and instead think of the country's economy and development.
-Milind
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