Bangalore MP slams Kannada activists for vandalizing Hindi banners

BENGALURU: Two days ago, in the capital of Karnataka, Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya had hit out at a group of Kannada activists who allegedly vandalised Hindi banners which were put up for a Jain function, claiming that such incidents only serve to defame "genuine" lovers of the regional language.

"Deeply hurt over the attack on our Jain brothers in B'luru over Hindi on a banner of a temple by few rowdy elements. They, however, never question the use of Urdu in Bengaluru. Assaulting peaceful Jains who contribute to Karnataka brings infamy to genuine Kannada lovers & activists," the first-time parliamentarian tweeted.

He has been criticised for giving a "communal angle" to the incident.

As per reports, on Saturday evening the Hindi banners that had been put up at the entrance of a Jain prayer hall on Infantry Road were vandalised by the Kannada activists. A complaint was registered with the police by the members of the Jain community.

"The state government must respect and not suppress the movement for protecting the land, water and language of Kannadigas. Their demands, which are legitimate, must be met," he tweeted in Kannada.

The young politician, a surprise candidate fielded by the BJP, beat Congress veteran BK Hariprasad by over three lakh votes to claim the Bangalore South constituency in the recent Lok Sabha elections.