Leave mutts, religious institutions alone: Poojary'

Congress leader Janaradhan Poojary, on Tuesday, said government should not interfere in the internal affairs of mutt and religious institutions.

Briefing reporters, Poojary said mutts in State are doing various charitable activities and it is not proper to suspect their motives. If at all High Court has directed to look into the affairs of mutts, the government can appeal before Supreme Court against the same, he suggested.

Condemning the statements issued by Religious Endowment Minister Prakash Hukkeri over ratifying the Hindu Religious Endowment Act, Poojary said if religious institutions are into corruption and malpractices, let them be brought before law.

Mutts like Siddhaganga Mutt in Tumkur and Adichunchanagiri Mutt are into educating children by providing free food and clothing. He asked the chief minister to issue clarification over his stance on the issue. If he fails to do so, he should announce his decision soon after the assembly session, he demanded.

Lauding the system followed by Rahul Gandhi to adopt decentralisation process in choosing nominees for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, Poojary said it is one of the outstanding measures. It is heartening to observe that the voice of Congress workers at grass root level is being respected. They too will have their say in choosing the nominee.

The secret ballot process will put an end to high profile drama that takes place in Delhi prior to the selection of candidates. He made it clear that he will not contest anywhere else, except in Mangalore.