Mangaluru, June 5, 2025: Amid rising tensions in the coastal region of Karnataka, senior Congress leader and MLC B K Hariprasad addressed the media in Mangaluru regarding the recent spate of resignations by Muslim leaders from the Congress party in Dakshina Kannada district.
Hariprasad urged the leaders who stepped down to reconsider their decision, clarifying that his visit was not for holding meetings but was part of his routine engagements. “Some unfortunate events have occurred, but no one should lose heart. I am here to speak with our people,” he said.
Dispelling speculation about his appointment to any specific role, Hariprasad stated, “The chief minister’s visit here was purely a courtesy call. Let us not allow Mangaluru to become another Manipur.”
He expressed concern over disturbances in the coastal belt while noting that peace prevailed across the rest of Karnataka. “This is not Uttar Pradesh or Manipur where innocent lives are frequently lost. When we called for action, officials admitted that the situation had briefly slipped out of control but assured us it would be contained. They asked us to connect with party workers,” he explained.
Reaffirming his commitment to justice and the Constitution, Hariprasad encouraged Congress workers to remain steadfast. “We stand by our principles. Those who resigned must now come forward and take back their resignations. No one should succumb to extremist ideologies,” he said.
He appealed for calm, stating, “Mangaluru is known for its good name in Karnataka. Let us not tarnish that reputation. I will engage with everyone. We are not prepared to lose anyone from the party. These resignations were emotional reactions. I urge all to reconsider.”
While acknowledging that holding office and failing to act merits accountability, he maintained that the Congress party has always stood firm on its values. “Our members were caught in the middle of this situation—they are innocent. The real culprits remain at large. These masterminds used our people as pawns, costing them their lives. We will soon expose them,” he asserted.
Commending the police for their efforts, Hariprasad emphasized that the responsibility ultimately rests with the chief minister and home minister when law and order falter. “This is a sensitive region, and the government is proceeding with caution. Everything will be brought under control. I stand firmly with them,” he said.
On the tragic RCB victory celebrations in Bengaluru that led to casualties, Hariprasad commented, “RCB is neither Karnataka’s team nor India’s. It is owned by billionaires. While I will let the CM respond in detail, I believe the bereaved families deserve compensation. Those who profit from the franchise should provide at least Rs 1 crore each to the families who lost their loved ones.”