Karnataka polls: BJP, VHP condemn 'Bajrang Dal ban' in Congress manifesto

MANGALURU: Mangalore City North MLA and BJP candidate Dr Bharath Shetty Y slammed the Congress for raising the issue of ban on Bajrang Dal in its manifesto and said, “Do not even dream of banning the Bajrang Dal, which is the strength of Hindu society.”

"Congress will burn like Ravana's Lanka if any attempt is made. Bajrang Dal workers have been working for the welfare of Hindu society. Crores of Bajrang Dal members are the identity of Hindu society and strength of nationalism,” Shetty told reporters.

He said that the Congress has been trying to appease Muslims by vowing to ban Bajrang Dal.

“Indira Gandhi had failed to ban RSS in the past. It is proved that Congress is an anti-Hindu party. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah, D K Shivakumar have been insulting Hindu society. The Hindu society will give them a befitting reply. It is the BJP which has banned anti-national organisations,” he added.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Karnataka Dakshina Prantha joint secretary Sharan Pumpwell said the promise on banning Bajrang Dal in the Congress manifesto is an insult to Hindus.

“Bajrang Dal is a nationalist organisation with a nationwide presence in 60,000 villages in the country. Comparing Bajrang Dal with anti-national organisation PFI is an insult to the Hindus. The Bajrang Dal will carry out a door to door campaign to apprise people of Congress stand and urge them not to vote for that party,” he added.

BJP Dakshina Kannada district spokesperson Jagadish Shenava also condemned Congress’ manifesto that promises ban on Bajrang Dal.