SDPI Demands Action Against Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna for Alleged Communal Discord
Udupi: The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has issued a strong condemnation of Udupi Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Yashpal Suvarna, accusing him of consistently making statements detrimental to the communal harmony of the Udupi district. SDPI Udupi district president Asif Koteshwar has formally called for legal action against the MLA, citing repeated instances of what he perceives as inflammatory rhetoric.
Koteshwar stated that Suvarna, whom he characterized as lacking a comprehensive understanding of Mysuru kingdom history and being entrenched in Hindutva ideology, has drawn criticism for objecting to the state government’s decision to invite Booker International Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the Dasara festivities. Koteshwar asserted that these objections are unacceptable, given the inclusive nature of the festival.
Dasara, widely recognized as the “State Festival” (Naada Habba), is traditionally celebrated by individuals across all communities within Karnataka, each contributing their unique customs and traditions. Koteshwar argued that Suvarna’s opposition to Banu Mushtaq’s participation reveals an inherent anti-Muslim bias.
Asif Koteshwar further referenced the 2017 Dasara festivities, during which poet Nisar Ahmed served as the inaugurator, an event still fondly remembered by many in Karnataka. He claimed that Suvarna has conveniently overlooked this precedent. Instead, Koteshwar alleged, Suvarna has tarnished the reputation of Udupi through what he described as religious intolerance, corruption, and a propensity for injecting communal elements into various issues.
The SDPI district president also addressed Suvarna’s recent pronouncements related to the YouTuber Sameer controversy, which Koteshwar likened to statements made by “rowdy elements.” He criticized Suvarna for allegedly prioritizing the sowing of discord between communities over advocating for increased government funding for his constituency, a conduct he believes has caused embarrassment to the residents of Udupi.
In a press release, Koteshwar demanded that law enforcement authorities initiate a suo motu case against Yashpal Suvarna, holding him accountable for what the SDPI perceives as repeated statements inciting communal disharmony. The SDPI urged that stringent legal measures be taken to address the situation. The allegations and demands made by the SDPI are likely to further intensify political discourse in the Udupi district.