'Will Rahul contest in Pak?'

BJP national general secretary Muralidhar Rao satirically stated that he had a doubt that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi might be more interested in contesting elections in Pakistan, rather than in India.

"Rahul Gandhi blamed Narendra Modi when Wing Commander Abhinandan was caught in Pakistan, and he lauded Imran Khan when Abhinandan was released. Congress has not taken action against its leaders who made 'Kill Modi' and 'Pulwama match-fixing' remarks, and it shows that Rahul Gandhi is also supporting 'Hate Modi' campaign," Rao said.

He told media persons during a workshop for BJP leaders, here on Friday, that former chief minister Siddaramaiah's remark about 'Tilak' was not against BJP, but against Hindu faith, asking, "is Karnataka in Pakistan or Bangladesh?"

Rahul Gandhi visits temples, while Siddaramaiah insults Hindus. It is a plan to disturb harmony, he charged.

The Jan Sangha always supported the then Congress governments during the wars with Pakistan. But now, Congress leaders are giving statements that may strengthen the case of Pakistan, Rao said.

But, he also noted that State BJP President B S Yeddyurappa's statement about air strikes on terror camps helping BJP in elections is a closed chapter.

On Ayodhya issue

"Constructing Ram Mandir at Ayodhya is the only solution for the dispute, and we demand that to happen fast," Rao said, welcoming the Supreme Court's move to form a committee to hold mediation in the Ayodhya case.

MLA Jagadish Shettar condemned PWD Minister H D Revanna for his criticism against Sumalatha. "That family always wants to rule Hassan, Mandya, and surrounding districts through its family members only," Shettar charged.

What is Revanna's problem if Sumalatha wants to contest in elections, as it is her right, Shettar asked.