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BJP objects to remark by CM's media advisor

Last Updated 25 January 2016, 19:41 IST

BJP legislator and former minister Suresh Kumar on Monday termed as “dangerous” a reported statement by the chief minister’s media advisor, Dinesh Amin Mattu, that it had become a routine of late to arrest “some persons” ahead of Republic Day and Independence Day.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Kumar said Mattu was giving “communal colour” to terrorism and sought a clarification from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on the State government’s stand on the issue. Kumar said Mattu’s statement contradicted the stand taken by the government. “Mattu being a part of the chief minister’s team is over-riding the stand of the government. The chief minister should clarify whether he endorses Mattu’s stand. Whether Mattu should continue in his present post is the discretion of the chief minister,” Kumar said.

He added that Mattu’s statement could also demoralise the police force. In a post on a WhatsApp, Mattu stated that he was ready for a comprehensive debate on fighting communalism if Kumar quit the BJP. “I will also quit from my post as media advisor and will also take an oath that I will not join any political party,” he stated. Mattu further said he had not questioned the arrests and had only expressed concern that usually there were no follow-ups on the arrests.

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(Published 25 January 2016, 19:41 IST)

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