“Don’t Brand Dakshina Kannada to a Negative ‘Hindutva Laboratory’ Stereotype.”

Capt. Brijesh Chowta, MP, speaking in the peace committee meeting in Mangaluru on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: H.S. MANJUNATH

Ideological differences shouldn’t lead to Dakshina Kannada being branded a ‘Hindutva laboratory’: Capt Chowta.

Temporary mending would not ensure harmony; children should be taught harmony in schools, says M.B. Puranik.

The Hindu Bureau | Mangaluru | July 10, 2025:: Capt. Brijesh Chowta, MP for Dakshina Kannada, on Wednesday, took strong exception to the district being branded as a ‘Hindutva laboratory’ by those in the State government over their ideological differences with the opposition party. Ideologies should be addressed in accordance with the law, he said.

Speaking at the peace committee meeting chaired by (Karnataka) Home Minister G. Parameshwara here, Capt. Chowta said: “I am happy the Home Minister called the meeting, inviting elected representatives at least now. Even the district in-charge Minister did not hold such a meeting so far.”

The MP said illegal activities, including sand mafia and drug mafia, were the reasons behind crimes in the region.

Educationist and VHP former office-bearer M.B. Puranik speaking in the peace committee in Mangaluru on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: H.S. MANJUNATH

Educationist and former Vishwa Hindu Parishad office-bearer M.B. Puranik said one should address the root cause of violence, as the situation was like a smouldering ember hidden under ashes. Having been a teacher for the last five decades, he understands Hinduism as a way of life that teaches to respect every life. ‘Sarve Janah Sukhino Bhavanthu’ was the guiding principle of Sanatana Dharma, he said.

Stating that temporary mending would not work, Mr. Puranik said children should be taught harmony in schools. No one should poison their minds with the concept of one religion being superior to the other.

Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja speaking in the peace committee meeting in Mangaluru on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: H.S. MANJUNATH

Harish Poonja, MLA, said he doubted whether children were taught harmony at home, in schools, and in Madrasas. Cows revered by Hindus were slaughtered while Hindu women were being targeted. Proceeds of illegal sand mining and other illegal activities were used to foment communalism, he said. D. Vedavyasa Kamath, MLA, demanded equal treatment for all religions.

Stating that peace and harmony were two different subjects, Y. Bharath Shetty, MLA, said crimes were happening because of law and order failure, cow theft, and illegal slaughter were crimes, and if they stop, peace prevails. Former Minister B. Nagaraj Shetty suggested that Mr. Parameshwara entrust the newly formed Special Action Force with the responsibility of dealing with cow thefts, the drug mafia and illegal sand extraction.

All the BJP MLAs objected to the recent police guidelines, which asked organisers to wind up public religious celebrations by 11:30 p.m. Police should study the region’s practices before issuing guidelines, they said.

Demanding a complete curb on hate speeches, Ashok Kumar Rai, MLA, said the police should be used to curb crime and not against religions. Religious rituals were part of life, and the police could not stop them, he said.

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Courtesy: The Hindu.

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