Special prayers for Sonia's recovery at Kudroli temple

Appointment of Sham Bhatt as KPSC chief draws criticism

Former Union minister B Janardhana Poojary offered special prayers and pooja at Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple in Mangaluru on Monday for the speedy recovery of Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

He was accompanied by MLC Motamma, MLA J R Lobo, former mayor Gulzar Banu and others. Gandhi had fallen ill during a road show in Varanasi on August 2. He offered ‘seeyala abhishekha’ to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity, at Kudroli Temple.

Praise for Modi

Later, speaking to mediapersons, Poojary showered praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and termed him as a statesman for Modi’s reactions against self-proclaimed ‘Gau Rakshakas’ and those who attack Dalits in the name of cow vigilantism.

“Prime Minister’s attack on cow vigilantism makes him a true statesman,” he said and added that the statement of Modi in Delhi and at Telangana have sent a strong message to the world. “Leaders in Congress may not agree with my opinion and may oppose my statement,” he added.

Coming down heavily on self-proclaimed cow protection groups, Poojary said, “Cow protection groups are engaged in illegal activities. The ‘Gau Rakshakas’ engage in stealing cows during nights and pretend to be saviours during the day time.”

CM flayed

Poojary also flayed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for the appointment of IAS officer T Sham Bhatt as the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) chairman.

“The CM should have reviewed his decision to appoint the IAS officer as KPSC chairperson. It is wrong on the part of the government to appoint a person who is facing several allegations against him,” reminded Poojary.

MLC and senior Congress leader Motamma, who also took part in the prayers for Sonia Gandhi at the Temple, said she too opposes the process of appointing officers as KPSC chairpersons.

Praising Modi for his reaction on cow vigilantism, she said that the Prime Minister had, however, failed to react during Dadri lynching incident.