A week after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Harish Poonja made anti-Muslim remarks during a temple event in Thekkaru, the management of the Gopalakrishna Temple expressed regret and extended a written apology to the local Muslim community, reported the Maktoob Media.
During his speech at the Brahmakalashotsava celebrations, Poonja — a two-time MLA from Belthangady — openly questioned the temple’s decision to invite mosque committees, saying, “We have no relation with Muslims.” He further accused Muslim community members of vandalising tube lights and stealing diesel from generators during the temple event.
“Our biggest mistake has been trying to maintain harmony by including everyone… Because you gave them the invitation, they broke the tube lights,” Poonja said in Tulu, urging Hindus to avoid “balancing acts” and to unite across castes. He also remarked on the growing Beary Muslim population in the area, suggesting that demographic changes should concern the Hindu community.
Poonja’s speech sparked outrage, especially as it came amid rising communal tensions in Dakshina Kannada district following two recent murders in Mangaluru.
In response, Muslim Okkoota, a coalition of Muslim groups in Thekkaru, submitted a letter condemning the remarks. The temple management — under the Gopalakrishna Bhatrabail Devaragudde Seva Trust — then issued a formal letter of regret.
“The committee regrets the MLA’s words, which have hurt sentiments. We value and welcome your community’s cooperation and hope all communities continue to live in harmony,” the letter stated.
The decision came after a meeting between temple authorities and Muslim leaders, where the committee acknowledged the Muslim community’s contributions to the event — including donations, parking arrangements, food distribution, and public displays of support via flex banners. Temple officials emphasized that Muslims were warmly welcomed and appreciated during the event.
Meanwhile, multiple complaints have been lodged against Harish Poonja across Dakshina Kannada, accusing him of inciting communal hatred. A local resident, Ibrahim, filed a complaint leading to a case being registered under Sections 196 and 352(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Poonja has a history of making Islamophobic comments, and his latest outburst has prompted renewed calls for legal accountability. Karnataka’s Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara and District In-Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao have directed police to take strict action against inflammatory speeches, irrespective of political affiliation.
