BENGALURU — After the demand for boycott of halal meat and ban on use of loudspeakers in mosques, fringe Hindu outfits have now sought an end to the “monopoly of mangoes” in Karnataka.
Hindutva groups including the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and Sri Ram Sene have alleged the fruit business is dominated by Muslims and urged Hindus to buy fruits from Hindu vendors.
Claiming that there is a monopoly on the fruit business by Muslims, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti alleged that Muslims are also seen spitting on fruits before selling it.
Sri Ram Sene’s Siddalinga Swami said the wholesale mango markets are controlled by Muslims and and urged Hindus to get involved in the fruit business. He, however, said that they are not against Muslim fruit vendors but want Hindus to prosper.
Prashanth Sambargi, another rightwing leader from Karnataka also echoed similar views. “The hard work is done by the Hindu farmers and the benefits are taken by the intermediate Muslim vendor,” Sambargi was quoted as saying by India Today.
Meanwhile, Primary and Secondary Education Minister BC Nagesh condemned the call for boycott and said people have the freedom to purchase from anyone.
“So far, I hadn’t seen anyone celebrating Ugadi near mosques. This year, belu-bella (neem-jaggery) was distributed in mosques. This shows there is harmony in the society,” Nagesh said.
“People can purchase from wherever they want to. It’s wrong to threaten people not to purchase from someone.”
Responding to BJP National General Secretary CT Ravi’s remarks on halal meat, Nagesh said that Ravi is not a Minister. “Everyone can have the food of their choice from anywhere. The state government has not urged people to boycott halal meat.”
Ravi had earlier claimed that halal meat was part of “economic jihad” by Muslims. He alleged that the concept of halal has been put in place so that Muslims do not do business with others.
Meanwhile, former MLA Vatal Nagaraj said the situation in the state is serious amid the controversy over hijab, halal meat and now, mango trade row.
“I don’t know what’s happening in Karnataka. Kuvempu had said it was the garden of peace for all religions – Hindus, Christians and Muslims. But people are talking with no control over their tongue,” Nagaraj said. — (Agencies)