FIR registered against Karnataka seer over his remarks on voting power to Muslims

Bengaluru: An FIR has been registered against Vishwa Vokkaliga Mahasamastana Math seer Kumara Chandrashekaranatha Swamiji for his remarks on voting power to Muslims, police said on Friday. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, terming the case against the seer as an insult to the Vokkaliga community said the BJP will protest on the streets if he is "harassed".

The seer had made the statement during a protest meeting organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh here on Tuesday against notices issued by Karnataka's waqf board.

Urging everyone to unite to protect farmers and their land, Swamiji had said that a law should be brought in where Muslims community don't have the voting power.


Stating that it should be ensured there is no Waqf board, he said someone taking away someone else's land is not "Dharma".

"...everyone should fight against injustice being caused to farmers...it is said that the Waqf board can claim anyone's land. It is a big injustice...someone taking away someone else's land is not Dharma... So, everyone should fight to ensure that farmers' land remains with them," the seer had said.

However, on Wednesday, Swamiji expressed regret over his statement, calling it a "slip of tongue".

He said Muslims are also citizens of this country, and they too have voting rights like others.

Based on the complaint by a social worker, the FIR was registered against him on Wednesday at Upparpet police station here, police said.

"We have registered a case against him (Swamiji) under section 299 (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita," a senior police officer said.

Meanwhile, Ashoka along with former Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwath Narayan and some party leaders met the seer.

"A Muslim person has given a complaint seeking action against the Swamiji. With an intention to harass and to trouble a Vokkaliga Swamiji by arresting and taking actions against him, Siddaramaiah government is conspiring by booking an FIR," Ashoka told reporters.

Questioning as to why no action was taken against leaders from other communities, who indulge in communal speeches, Ashoka said, "Siddaramaiah has an allergy towards Hindus, so they (government) are indulging in repression of Hindus by booking cases and threatening them...despite the seer issuing a clarification and expressing regret, case is being booked against them. The government is insulting the Vokkaliaga community."