Karnataka - Bellary   

Prakash's ouster from Cabinet sought

Staff Correspondent

Vishwa Basavadharma Mahasabha criticises Minister's stand on book

BELLARY: The Vishwa Basavadharma Mahasabha, which is spearheading an agitation against the controversial book "Anu deva horaganavanu", written by Banjegere Jayaprakash, seeking a ban, has now trained its guns at M.P. Prakash, Minister for Home, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, for reportedly expressing support to the book that has, according to the mahasabha, hurt the sentiments of the followers of Basaveshwara, 12th century social reformer.

"He should resign owning moral responsibility for supporting the book which has hurt the sentiments of the followers of Basaveshwara in various communities. If he does not, the Chief Minister should take immediate steps to drop him from the Ministry failing which the agitation will be intensified," Sri Dayanandswamiji, organising secretary of the mahasabha, said at a press conference here on Friday.

Taking exception to the reported statements of Mr. Prakash about the book and expressing himself (Minister) against its ban, the swamiji felt that such a stand by a person holding a responsible position in the Government would lead to a law and order situation.

Character assassination

"Is Mr. Prakash not pained by the content of the book, which assassinates the character of several personalities, including Basaveshwara, Buddha, Ambedkar and Kuvempu?" he asked.

He said that agitations have begun in parts of the State against the book and also against the reported statement of Mr. Prakash. A dharna would be staged in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office in Bellary on Monday in protest against the reported statements of Mr. Prakash. A week thereafter, a call for Bellary bandh would be given. A dharna, under the banner of the mahasabha, would be staged in front of the residence of Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy shortly urging him to drop Mr. Prakash from the Cabinet and also to initiate legal action against him for his reported remarks.

`Facts distorted'

He criticised the writer for trying to distort facts without giving valid documentary evidences. He challenged the writer to a debate over the issue and asked him to prove his research findings with valid documentary evidences. If he failed to do so he should tender an unconditional apology. "Let him give a date and place. We will arrange the public meeting," he said.

Reiterating the demand that the Government should immediately ban the book, the swamiji said that there was a plan to give a call for a Karnataka bandh.

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