BJP Slams Congress MLA B.K. Sangamesh Over Remark: “I Wish to Be Born as a Muslim in My Next Life”

Bangalore Mail Desk

Shivamogga:
In the wake of tensions following stone-pelting during a Ganesh idol immersion procession in Maddur, a remark by Bhadravathi Congress MLA B.K. Sangamesh has sparked controversy. Speaking at a blood donation and free health check-up camp organized on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi on Monday, Sangamesh expressed his gratitude to the Muslim community for their support and said he wishes to be born a Muslim in his next life.

“I have had the privilege of addressing you as an MLA four times, and that is only because of the support I have received from my Muslim brothers,” Sangamesh said in his speech. “I will always remain as one of your own. If I am born again, I want to be born as a Muslim. I thank everyone who has invited me with so much love for this program,” he added.

A video of the MLA’s statement, made during the Eid Milad celebrations, has since gone viral. Sangamesh also sought blessings for his son, Ganesh, hinting at the possibility of fielding him as a candidate from Bhadravathi in the next elections.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje strongly criticized Sangamesh’s remarks, saying, “There is no need to wait until your next birth. You can go right now. He is insulting his own community and his voters. Muslims have supported you; how much more appeasement do you want? To win elections, you also need the votes of Lingayats, backward classes, and Dalits. And now you say you wish to be a Muslim after winning?” she lashed out.

Karandlaje further accused the Congress government in Karnataka of “wearing the mask of secularism” while undermining Hindu culture and appeasing extremists. “The appeasement politics of this government has emboldened fanatics and led to an increase in communal incidents in the state,” she alleged.

She also claimed that extremists are committing crimes with the expectation that cases against them will be withdrawn under the Congress government. “The state must wake up and take strong action to rein in these forces,” Karandlaje demanded.