BJP Stages Protest in Bhatkal Over Disputed Site Demolition, Demands Reconstruction

Bhatkal, May 29: The Bharatiya Janata Party held a protest rally in Bhatkal on Friday over the demolition of the disputed Murinakatte structure near National Highway 66 in Nawayath Colony.

The rally was attended by Karnataka Leader of Opposition R. Ashok, Uttara Kannada MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, former Bhatkal MLA Sunil Naik, former minister Shivanand Naik, former Karwar MLA Roopali Naik, BJP district president N. S. Hegde and several other party leaders.

Addressing the gathering, R. Ashok criticised the Congress government and alleged that the administration had hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community. He said the demolition of the structure was unfortunate and demanded a fair investigation into the incident.

Ashok said BJP does not support taking law into its own hands, but added that the party would continue its struggle through democratic means if religious beliefs and public sentiments were ignored. He gave the administration one month to rebuild the structure and warned that BJP would intensify its movement if no action was taken.

MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri said places connected with Hindu faith should be respected and that the protest would continue until the structure is restored.

Former MLA Sunil Naik, in his speech, described Murinakatte as more than a platform. He said it represented tradition, culture and identity for many local Hindus. He claimed that the structure had historical importance and had been respected by previous generations.

Naik said that during the NH 66 widening process, discussions were held with officials and permission was given to construct the relocated structure at a designated spot. He claimed that the work was carried out in the presence of officials and police, and that the money used for construction came from Hindu activists, not from the government.

Referring to the events of May 24, Naik alleged that the newly constructed structure was damaged later that evening. He said BJP workers and local Hindu activists went to the police station seeking justice and demanded action against those responsible.

Naik further alleged that instead of giving justice, the administration acted against BJP workers. He said cases may be registered against them in any number, but they had the strength to face them. He also accused the district administration and police of testing their patience.

At the same time, Naik told supporters not to take law into their own hands. He said their culture was not one of violence, but insisted that the structure would be rebuilt with unity and determination.

The protest rally began from the Old Bus Stand and passed through the National Highway before reaching the Mini Vidhana Soudha. Protesters raised slogans demanding reconstruction of Murinakatte and criticised the Congress government and district in charge minister Mankal Vaidya.

At the end of the protest, BJP leaders submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner K. Lakshmi Priya, who was present in Bhatkal.