Congress MLA from Mudigere Nayana Motamma (C).
Credit: X/@NayanaJhawar
Mudigere: Nayana Motamma, the Congress MLA from Mudigere, raised eyebrows on Tuesday by taking part in a Hindu Mahasabha event here and keeping options open on her political future.
Nayana is the daughter of former minister and senior Congress leader Motamma.
"I am a Hindu by faith, Dalit by birth and a woman. God chose for me to be born in Mudigere. As for whether I will join BJP, remain in Congress or go to BSP or SDPI, let's wait three years for an answer," said Nayana.
She was speaking at the launch of the Mahasabha's Ganapati festival logo.
The legislator said, "Today, I have come draped in a saffron shawl and my party workers have accompanied me. This has sparked curiosity and raised questions among many. Let there be no confusion — just because one is by the river doesn't mean it's Congress and just because one is on the shore doesn't mean it's BJP."
"I have come here for Ganapati and for my religion. No one chooses the religion or caste they are born into. I have come here today because of my identity as a Hindu born in Mudigere. My role as an MLA representing a party is separate — today I am here as working president of the Ganapati committee. So, no party should have doubts or objections," she clarified.
"As a Congress MLA, I stand here today and that must be acknowledged. But I also have multiple identities beyond that and all of them make up who I am — Nayana Motamma," she said.
The MLA said, "Even when I was in Mumbai, I took part in rituals of the Ganapati festival. I had placed my wedding card before Lord Siddhivinayaka and prayed to him. When my daughter was born and we were to take her out of the house for the first time, according to the tradition of my husband's family, we had to visit a temple first. Then too, I took her to the abode of Siddhivinayaka. From a young age, I always dreamt of being chief guest at a Ganapati event. I have deep devotion and belief in Ganapati."
Legislative Council deputy chairman M K Pranesh and Sri Ram Sene national president Pramod Muthalik were among those present.