Shivamogga: Former deputy chief minister KS Eshwarappa Monday demanded that police register an FIR suo motu against higher education minister Basavaraj Rayareddy and arrest him over his alleged remarks on religion.Speaking to reporters here, Eshwarappa claimed that Rayareddy’s reported statements, including comments that people should avoid visiting mutts and temples and that Islam is superior to other religions, had hurt Hindu sentiments. He said holders of constitutional posts should refrain from making statements that could provoke interfaith tensions or disparage religious beliefs.Describing visits to mutts and temples as an integral part of Hindu tradition, Eshwarappa said no minister had the right to elevate one religion while criticising the practices of another. He also questioned what he termed the govt’s “double standards”, asking why police act against citizens over slogans such as ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ but not against a minister accused of offending Hindu sentiments.Eshwarappa said Rayareddy was unfit to continue as higher education minister and urged chief minister DK Shivakumar and home minister Priyank Kharge to take action. Referring to reports that Rayareddy visited an Anjaneya Swamy temple a day after saying he avoided mutts and temples, Eshwarappa remarked sarcastically that Lord Anjaneya may have appeared in the minister’s dream and reprimanded him.Separately, Eshwarappa said he was not a political ascetic who shunned power for ideology alone, adding that politicians should naturally accept opportunities when they arise.KPSC scam probe will expose all involved: ChannabasappaShivamogga City MLA SN Channabasappa Monday said the ongoing investigation into the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment scam would uncover all those involved in the alleged irregularities.He criticised the state govt for not allowing adequate discussion on the issue in the assembly and said the probe gathered momentum primarily because of sustained protests by students.Referring to the recent arrest of an IAS officer in connection with the case, Channabasappa said further details would emerge as the investigation progressed. On allegations of recruitment irregularities during the tenure of former KPSC chairman Gonal Bheemappa, he said any wrongdoing, irrespective of the govt in power at the time, must be thoroughly investigated and acted upon.Political parties and govts may come and go, he said, but corruption can be curbed only if strict action is taken against those responsible, regardless of when the alleged offences occurred.
