– Mohammed Atherulla Shariff
Bengaluru: Kumar Chandrashekharanatha Swamiji, head of Vishwa Vokkaligara Mahasamsthana Mutt, has issued an apology for his earlier statement advocating for the removal of Muslims’ voting rights.
The Swamiji initially made the controversial remark during a Raitha Gharjana rally organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh – Karnataka Region at Freedom Park on Tuesday.
In his speech, he stated that laws should be enacted to revoke Muslims’ right to vote and to dismantle the Waqf Board.
This statement drew widespread criticism from politicians and the public alike.
In response to the backlash, Chandrashekharanatha Swamiji released a press statement expressing regret for his words. He acknowledged that Muslims are citizens of the country and have the right to vote like everyone else.
He attributed his previous statement to a slip of tongue and offered a heartfelt apology to his Muslim brothers if they were offended. The Swamiji further clarified: Vokkaligas, his community, are inherently tolerant towards all religions. His Mutt has maintained cordial relations with Muslims, who frequently visit. He and his community participate in Muslim weddings and other celebrations. We do not have any intolerance towards the Muslim community.
Concluding his statement, Chandrashekharanatha Swamiji urged the public to disregard his previous remarks and move past the controversy.
