Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday firmly rejected allegations that he was leaning towards “soft Hindutva,” stressing that he has always been, and will remain, a “true Congressman.”
Addressing reporters, Parameshwara said, “I am a true Congressman. I will die as a Congressman. People have known my politics for the last 35 years. My ideological commitment to Congress is unquestionable. If anyone creates controversy on this, let them do so.”
The clarification came after criticism over his brief presence at a Rath Yatra procession in Tiptur, which was linked to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Parameshwara explained that he was unaware of the organisers and only paid tribute to Rani Abbakka, whom he described as one of the earliest freedom fighters.
“I did not attend any ABVP programme. When I went for a review meeting, I saw a procession for Rani Abbakka and paid tribute to her. I didn’t know who organised it. Local MLA Shadakshari was with me. We respect all freedom fighters,” he clarified.
Separately, Parameshwara confirmed that an FIR had been registered against BJP MLC CT Ravi for making allegedly inflammatory remarks during a Ganpati immersion programme in Maddur, where communal tensions flared earlier this week.
The suo motu case was filed after Ravi allegedly made remarks targeting the Muslim community. The incident followed stone pelting during the procession, leading to protests, police lathi-charge, and the arrest of 21 people. Prohibitory orders remain in force in Maddur with heavy security deployment.
