Date:18/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/18/stories/2008091850010100.htm

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‘Uncivilised, irreligious’

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Writer U.R. Ananthamurthy has criticised the BJP Government for its “irresponsibility” in justifying the spate of attacks on Christian institutions as a response to “forced conversions”.

In a press release here on Wednesday, he has said that what is happening in Karnataka today is a “re-enactment of the violence in Gujarat” and a part of the BJP’s strategy in preparation for the Lok Sabha elections.

“The Chief Minister had declared just after coming to power that he would make Karnataka another Gujarat. It means that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is his ideal,” he has said, and described as “tragic” Mr. Yeddyurappa’s transformation from a farmers’ leader to an admirer of Mr. Modi.

Calling the attacks “not only uncivilised, but also irreligious”, Prof. Ananthamurthy has said that these attacks negate the liberal thinking within the Hindu tradition.