BJP protests across Karnataka against Jarkiholi over ‘Hindu’ remark, Congress should take a stand, says CM Bommai

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai urged the Congress to either take action against Jarkiholi for his remarks or announce that they stand by his statement. “I don’t know why they are in such confusion… They don’t have a clear stand… The basic principle of Congress – to rule the country by keeping people confused – has surfaced due to this issue,” Bommai said.

At a protest in Bengaluru, BJP MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy demanded Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the party’s state chief DK Shivakumar to ensure Jarkiholi’s removal from the party. “If they don’t, it will be clear that they condone his remarks. People of the state will teach an appropriate lesson for them during the elections next year,” he said.

However, despite widespread criticism, Jarkiholi refused to bow down and stuck to his stand about the origin of the word. He reiterated his demand for a state government-appointed committee to probe the veracity of his remarks. He said he would resign if the findings of the committee are contrary to his remarks. “Someone has to infer that I have erred (before I apologise),” he said.

Jarkiholi said at an event Sunday that the word ‘Hindu’ has a Persian origin and asked what the relation between Hindu and India was. “If you understand the meaning of the word, you will be ashamed… The meaning of the word Hindu is very dirty. I am not saying this. This is on the website… You have brought this religion, (and) the word from somewhere else and are imposing it on us,” he had said.