B. Ramanath Rai, Minister in-charge of Dakshina Kannada, said here on Tuesday that he had received threat calls from the underworld following the recent communal clashes in Kalladka.
However, he added, that he had not publicised the threats. He was committed to maintaining communal harmony in the district and would continue to strive for this though his life was in danger.
Addressing reporters, Mr. Rai appealed to the people of the district to maintain communal harmony and not to trust rumours spread through social media. He said that those who made provocative speeches became leaders overnight. There were many such leaders in the district.
The Minister said that the Sangh Parivar, unable to tolerate the developmental projects in Bantwal taluk, was dividing the society on communal grounds. Five multi-village drinking water projects were under way in the taluk.
Replying to a question on a video clipping of his meeting with former Superintendent of Police Bhushan Gulabrao Borase going viral, he said that the police official had himself volunteered to meet him at the Inspection Bungalow. He had a one-to-one meeting with him on matters relating to maintaining peace in the district.
At that time, a delegation had arrived to meet the Minister there. Later, the focus of the discussion shifted towards only one aspect.
The Minister said that he did not know who recorded the discussion.
To a question, Mr. Rai said that it was not right to oppose the Iftar party hosted by the Pejawar seer in Udupi recently.
