Bengaluru: Amidst the fervour surrounding the upcoming consecration of the Ram Temple, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP is distancing itself from the controversial remarks made by its Karnataka MP, Anantkumar Hegde.
Hegde asserted that numerous mosques in the state should be demolished, claiming they were built over Hindu temples.
Speaking at a meeting in Kumta on Saturday, Hegde named several mosques across Bhatkal, Uttar Kannada, and Mandya, alleging that they were constructed on violated Hindu religious sites. He stated, "In every village of the state, there are small religious places which were violated. Until they are demolished, the Hindu community will not sit idly."
Hegde's comments, which he acknowledged could be perceived as a "threat," emphasised a call for revenge over the past 1,000 years. "Revenge, revenge, revenge… if we do not take revenge for the 1,000 years, then the Hindu community can clearly say that ours is not Hindu blood," he added, pledging that the demolition decision was that of the Hindu community, not solely his.
In response to his remarks, the police registered a suo motu complaint against Hegde under IPC Section 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups) and 505 (statements conducing public mischief).
BJP MLA and former deputy chief minister C N Ashwath Narayan distanced the party from Hegde's remarks, labelling them as his "personal views." He emphasised that the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, had called for harmony, unity, and respect for all religions, stating, "Though some temples were converted to mosques, this is not the time to rake up such issues."
Hegde directed criticism at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, referring to him as 'Moorka (Foolish) Ramaiah' and accusing him of compromising his principles for minority votes. Siddaramaiah, in response, dismissed Hegde's remarks as a reflection of his culture and questioned whether Hegde could be considered civilised.
Known for his controversial statements, Hegde, a former Union minister, has faced scrutiny in the past for comments challenging Rahul Gandhi's Hindu identity, advocating against a hand that touches a Hindu girl, and stating that the BJP came to power to "change the Constitution." Despite his history of controversial statements, Hegde has recently reemerged in public life ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.