Mangaluru: Member of Parliament (MP), Nalin Kumar Kateel, came down heavily on the state government, alleging they have misused the home ministry to support the bandh. "It was clearly visible that police personnel were under the clutches of the state government and have been misused by them. Congress leaders forcibly called for bandh and showed their ‘goondagiri’ during the protest. They showed their ‘goondagiri’ in Bantwal by pelting stones to the vehicle of Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik withe the intention of physically hurting him. As per the orders, whoever calls for the bandh will be responsible to pay for the property loss that occurred during the bandh and state government should take up the responsibility,”

“Even in Udupi, Congress has attacked BJP leaders. Congress has instigated violence in the state. There are two groups within Congress party and they must have instigated this violence. On the other hand, ex-minister Ramanath Rai, with the help of police, is seen closing down the shops at Bantwal. Even state government has certain responsibilities. They should withdraw the state cess, and then fuel prices can come down,” he stressed.

Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath, Mangaluru MLA North Dr Bharath Y Shetty, Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik, Jitendra Kottary, Ravishankar Mijar and others were present.