‘Slip of the tongue’, says Vokkaliga seer apologising for statement on disenfranchising Muslims in India

Criticising vote bank politics played by parties, the seer also cited the example of Pakistan denying voting rights to religious minorities.

A day after calling for disenfranchising Muslims in India, the seer of Vishwa Vokkaligara Mahasamsthana Mutt Sri Kumara Chandrashekarnath Swamy on Wednesday (November 27, 2024) tendered apology for his remarks.

“Muslims are citizens of India and they have voting rights. I apologise to my Muslim brothers for my statement, which was a slip of the tongue. I also request not to continue conversation on the statement,” the seer said in a statement issued here.

In what has kicked up a controversy over his communal remarks, the seer had called for disenfranchising Muslims in India to end vote bank politics of the parties. “For the the country to have a good name and opinion about it, and if a law could be framed so that the Muslim community does not have voting rights, then the politicians should do it,” the seer had said at a protest organised by Bharatiya Kisan Sangha, an affiliate of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), at Freedom Park here.

The protest was against farmers being issued notice in connection with the Waqf properties. BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanswamy were among those present at the protest.

Urging for the dissolution of Waqf Board, the seer had said, “If Muslims did not have voting rights, they would mind their own business and everyone can live peacefully.” He had also cited the example of Pakistan denying voting rights to religious minorities, and was critical of vote bank politics played by parties.

In the statement on Wednesday, he said that there have been efforts in the recent times to evict farmers, who have cultivated the land for generations, and that such a move by any organisation is unacceptable. He said that there have been discussions on ruling parties in the past of having created special facilities and legal systems, and a Joint Parliamentary Committee has also been set up.

Stating that Vokkaligas were basically tolerant towards all communities, Sri Chandrashekarnatha Swamy said that he had treated all communities equally, and had good relationship with Muslims. “I have taken part in marriage functions of Muslims and people from Muslim community have visited the mutt. There is no hatred towards the community.”

Home Minister reacts

Reacting to the seer’s statement, Home Minister G. Parameshwar said that it was not prudent to speak on issues that are against the ideals of the Constitution. “The seer has not read aspirations of the Constitution, and the rights and opportunities enshrined to communities and religious groups. The Constitution is clear on these aspects. No one should speak against the Constitution,” he told reporters in Bengaluru.

Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar told reporters in Vijayapura that both the President of India and common man are treated equally before law in the country. “The seer should not spoil the health of the society. Instead, he should be the guiding spirit.”

Published - November 27, 2024 03:04 pm IST