BJP leader Jagadish Adhikari tenders apology for remarks against Koti-Chennaya

BJP leader Jagadish Adhikari tenders apology for remarks against Koti-Chennaya

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, February 7, 2021: BJP district vice-president Jagadish Adhikari has tendered an apology following the furore over his remarks against Koti-Chennaiah, Billava community and former union minister B Janardhan Poojary.

Soon after Adhikari’s remarks went viral on social media, people cutting across political parties raised objections and sought an apology.

"It was a slip of the tongue when I spoke about Koti-Chennaiah and Billavas during a Nemotsava programme at Valpady. It was not intentional. I seek an apology for hurting the sentiments," he said and appealed to end the episode in a press meet in Moodbidri.

"I have great respect for the Billava community and also former union minister Janardhan Poojary. I have been worshipping Koti-Chennaiah," said Adhikari.

"As a repentance for the statement, I will offer ’Tappu Kanike’ to the Moolasthana of Koti-Chennaiah and will also offer puja on the day of Sankramana. My statements have gone viral on social media and it has taken a different shape. I suspect the hand of the Congress in it," he added.

Flaying the statement of Adhikari, DCC president Harish Kumar said Adhikari’s statement aimed at creating a rift among the communities in the district. Billavas constitute one-third of the population and the community has been living peacefully in the district. Koti-Chennaiah, the twin folk heroes of the district who stood for truth, justice and loyalty.

"It is an unpardonable mistake on part of Adhikari to issue such statement which upheld his arrogant attitude. Before speaking anything on Billavas, he should understand that all the MLAs and MP won votes exercised by the Billava community members as well."

Coming down heavily on BJP district vice-president Jagadish Adhikari for his derogatory statement against Billava community, VHP divisional secretary Sharan Pumpwell demanded an unconditional apology from Adhikari. The statement has insulted the Hindu society, he said.

Akhila Bharatha Hindu Mahasabha Karnataka unit president L K Suvarna has urged the BJP to remove Adhikari for speaking ill of Billava community and Koti-Chennaiah.

The derogatory remarks against Billava community and Koti-Chennaiah have hurt the sentiments of the community. Billavas have contributed to the Hindutva, Suvarna said.

Members of various Billava organisations have condemned the statement of Adhikari and have demanded legal action against him.

Courtesy: Deccan Herald