The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will not deviate from the narratives of nationalism and Hindutva as it believes the battle for ideology should be fought through debate, despite outrage among the party’s youth activists over the killing of Praveen Nettaru in Dakshina Kannada’s Bellare. Not with violence. Kannada, Culture and Energy Minister V. Sunil Kumar has said.
Speaking to reporters in Udupi on Monday, Mr Kumar said that the agenda of nationalism and development has been accepted by all communities. Just because the cadres are angry with Praveen Netaru’s murder, the party will not deviate from its agenda. Instead, the party will push the narrative to expose the jihadis’ tactics to society. People should be aware of these developments while BJP will fight unitedly with all its cadres.
Mr Kumar said the violence by jihadis was not limited to Mangaluru or Dakshina Kannada. It was confined to Kashmir a few years ago, but now it has spread to West Bengal, Rajasthan, Kerala and Karnataka. While many Muslim-majority countries are moving away from promoting religious fundamentalism, some elements in India believe they can spread it through violence. Government will initiate strict action against such forces.
On the allegation that the BJP was dependent on the sentiments of the people of backward communities, Mr Kumar said that the party enjoys the support of all communities and is not limited to backward communities only.
On the investigation of Praveen Netaru murder case, Kumar said that the police is probing the case from every angle. He said the accused would be arrested soon as Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Alok Kumar is heading the probe in Mangaluru.