Belagavi. Amid calls for boycott of Muslim traders near temples, BJP MLA from Belagavi Anil Benake on Monday said he would not allow economic apartheid to be imposed on Muslim traders. The ruling BJP has already made it clear that it will not take any action against the temple authorities for not allowing non-Hindu traders in the temple premises and religious fairs.
“It is wrong to ask people to buy only from certain shops. There is no question of banning Muslim traders in fairs. We will not stop them,” Benake said.
He further added, “Everyone has the freedom to trade as per their choice. People should decide where they want to buy from.”
Responding to a question whether he was interested in a cabinet berth, Benake replied yes. “Last time, the Maratha community was not given representation and the demand is increasing, however, I will abide by the decision of the high command,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Bajrang Dal wing of Gundlupet town in Chamarajanagar district has submitted a memorandum to the district authorities for not allowing non-Hindus in the historic Shri Himavad Gopalaswamy Hill fair. The organization has also demanded that shops and business establishments of Muslim traders in the foothills should be removed immediately.
The ban on non-Hindus especially Muslim traders in religious fairs and temple premises is being strictly followed by Hindu organizations following protests over the High Court’s decision. This trend is observed in Coastal region, Malnad region and South as well as North Karnataka districts.
—AnyTV News
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