Sri Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji of Pejawar Adhokshaja Mutt, who is known for his affiliation with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, on Saturday organised an ‘iftaar’ at the Udupi Krishna Math. Around 150 Muslims, who came for the ‘iftaar’, also offered ‘namaz’ at the ‘Anna Brahma’ dining hall in the math on June 24. The Swamiji himself served dates to the Muslims, who ended Ramzan fasting at the hall.
Pramod Muthalik, founder of Sri Rama Sene, on Monday opposed Vishwesha Tirtha Swami of Paryaya Pejawar Mutt for organising the Iftar at the Annabrahma Building in the Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple complex.
However, Vishwesha Tirtha Swami defended his move. Both Mr. Muthalik and the Pejawar seer held a closed-door meeting at the Badagu Malige on the Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple premises here on the issue. After the meeting, both of them stuck to their respective stands.
Speaking to presspersons, Mr. Muthalik said that the seer’s move of allowing the gathering of Muslims to break their fast by offering fruits and to pray at Annabrahma Building in the Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple premises was an “insult” to the Hindu community.
“Lord Krishna is known as the protector of cows. Inviting those who kill cows and eat beef is incorrect. The Pejawar seer guides the Hindu religion and Vishwa Hindu Parishad. We are fighting on the streets for protecting cows without bothering about our lives. But the seer’s move of inviting Muslims to the Mutt premises cannot be accepted,” he said. “There is anger over the seer’s move. In order to prevent any protests, I came here to hold talks with the seer on the issue. But the seer is sticking to his stand, which we cannot accept,” he said.
Pramod Muthalik trying to disrupt peace in Udupi, will not allow SRS protest: Youth Congress
Udupi A day after Sri Rama Sene leader Pramod Muthalik visited the city and expressed objection to the recent Iftar Souharda Koota organized at Sri Krishna Math led by Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji, the Youth Congress on Tuesday June 27 hit out at Muthalik alleging that he was trying to spoil peace and communal harmony in Udupi.
Addressing a press meet here, distrist Youth Congress president Vishwas Amin said, “When people of all religions and communities are living in harmony in Udupi, Sri Rama Sene leader Pramod Muthalik is trying to disrupt peace. He is doing this for propaganda.
“On July 2, the Sri Rama Sene will hold a protest against Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji’s gesture to host Iftar get-together for Muslims in Sri Krishna Math premises. Youth Congress strongly condemns this. We will not allow the protest to take place, and if need be, will hold a counter protest on the same day with police permission. And if they try to gherao the Sri Krishna Math, we will stand with Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji and extend support,” he said.
“Udupi has set an example for peace and communal harmony with people from different communities co-existing here for centuries. Though the neighbouring district of Dakshina Kannada has witnessed communal violence time and again, it has not affected Udupi. The reason for this is Udupi’s peace-loving population. But people like Pramod Muthalik are trying to disrupt peace and spark communal unrest here by blowing small issues out of proportion.
“Pejawar Swamiji who is a beacon for the entire country when it comes to fostering communal harmony, is a strong protector of Hindu religion. At the same time he has affection and respect towards other religion too. He has set an example by visiting Dalit colonies.
“The Muslim community has contributed a lot to Sri Krishna Math. We strongly condemn Muthalik for terming Muslims as cow slaughterers and thieves. Every person has right to choice of food. Muthalik should understand that no one has given him the right to decide what others should eat,” Amin said.
Vignesh Kini said, “Pejawar Swamiji has always supported secularism. The Muslim community also respects him and has invited him to mosques and religious programmes. Sri Rama Sene should not be biased with one religion, and instead should respect all religions equally.
Moving on to other matters, Kini said that on July 9, a huge district-level party convention will be organized by the district Youth Congress. Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes and other state-level dignitaries are expected to be take part in the convention.
Abdul Azeez, secretary, state Youth Congress, Santhosh, Kaup block Youth Congress and Dheeraj were present.
Source : The Hindu and Daiji World
