‘Leave India’: Karnataka BJP MLA sparks row with remarks on Muslims, Vande Mataram

Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP MLA S.N. Channabasappa has triggered controversy after telling Muslims who oppose Vande Mataram to leave the country and accusing Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi of supporting those who allegedly do not respect the country’s laws.

Speaking to reporters at the BJP office in Vidhana Soudha, Channabasappa said those who do not accept or respect Indian laws have no right to remain in the country.

MLA targets Muslims, Congress over Vande Mataram

Channabasappa alleged that some Muslims were opposing Vande Mataram despite laws concerning the national song.

"Immediately after Independence, the country was divided and a separate country was given to you. Why do you need India if you do not accept or respect the laws of this country? You cannot remain in this country," he said.

"There are laws concerning Vande Mataram, yet you are opposing it. Therefore, along with Muslims, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi should leave the country," he added.

The BJP MLA accused the Congress of showing what he called the “highest level of disgrace” by allegedly avoiding respect for Vande Mataram over concerns about hurting Muslim sentiments.

"Congress, which lives for Muslims, is not needed in this country. If you want to remain here, abide by the spirit of the Constitution; otherwise, leave," he said.

RSS and azaan remarks

Channabasappa also raised the issue of loudspeakers used for azaan, claiming Hindus had tolerated such practices and alleging that young people were now prepared to oppose what he called the Congress’ “anti-national mindset”.

He defended the RSS, describing it as a patriotic organisation and rejecting allegations that it had violated the law or engaged in anti-national activities.

The MLA also criticised Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge over his remarks about the RSS. He alleged that while the Congress government was considering legislation to regulate the organisation, it had not proposed similar action against Muslims whom he accused of violating the law.
"If you have the courage, bring a law against this as well," he added.
Also read | ‘File case against Gandhi, Nehru, Patel’: Kharge hits back at BJP over Vande Mataram row

Controversial remark against Congress MP

Channabasappa also criticised Congress MP Imran Masood over his alleged opposition to Vande Mataram.

In a controversial remark, he said that the “only thing left is to shoot and kill” people like Masood whom he accused of disrespecting the national song.

He further alleged that Congress leaders had disrespected Vande Mataram on earlier occasions and claimed that Rahul Gandhi had refused to sing the national song at a Congress event.

Channabasappa accused the Congress of attempting to undermine the country’s culture and said the BJP and Hindu society had taken the alleged disrespect towards Vande Mataram seriously.

Members of Legislative Council (MLC) D.S. Arun and Dr Dhananjaya Sarji were also present during the press interaction.

(With IANS inputs)