Bengaluru

Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has lashed out against right-wing activists for their stance on Muslim merchants and halal meat under the garb of religious activism.

"The state of Karnataka belongs to all people... it is not the property of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. These organisations do not represent Hindus, they are stooges of a political party. They have not taken the contract of Hindutva," he said on Friday.

Stating that preservation of religion does not mean robbing someone's livelihood, he said: "VHP should not become 'Vishwa Vinashak Parishad' and Bajrang Dal should not create a fear psychosis."

Kumaraswamy warned the state government that he would start a 'padayatra' if things do not settle down in a month.

Surprisingly, Congress Opposition leader Siddaramaiah, who took on the BJP and Hindutva forces on previous occasions, and state party president D.K. Shivakumar, who is also known for his confrontational approach, have been issuing diplomatic statements and not challenging the ruling BJP as they did with the issue of implementation of the Mekedatu project.

Sources said the Congress is worried that "the ruling BJP would take advantage and brand it as anti-Hindus".

Meanwhile, responding to Kumaraswamy's remarks, a BJP leader said: "Especially in old Mysuru region, JD-S wins maximum seats... and this is the reason for Kumaraswamy's outburst."