Congress leaders on Tuesday accused the BJP-led government of destroying the social fabric of the State, especially in the coastal belt, by dividing people on communal lines.
Addressing a gathering at Thokkottu during their padayatra from Ullal to Malpe, they alleged that attacks on Christian prayer halls across the State, incidents of moral policing, attack on women at a pub in Mangalore, home-stay attack at Padil, “rave party” at St. Mary’s Island near Malpe, and MLAs watching “porn” clippings had damaged the reputation of the State. G. Parameshwar, president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, who inaugurated the padayatra at Ullal, alleged that the BJP and groups affiliated to it were spreading hatred among students on the basis of religion.
He said the objective of the padayatra was to establish peace in society and harmony among religions.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas M. Veerappa Moily alleged that the BJP had communalised society. He asked people to be wary of Janata Dal (Secular) as it might align with the BJP at any time after the Assembly elections as it did after withdrawing support to the Dharam Singh-led Congress-JD(S) coalition government.
Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah said that it was the duty of an elected government to create an atmosphere conducive for cordial living of people of all faiths as per the Constitution.
The leaders also addressed gatherings at Pumpwell and Kottara Chowki.
