Mangaluru
Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee (DCC) President and MLC K Harish Kumar has made scathing allegations against Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja, urging him to resign on moral grounds. Accusing Poonja of behaving like a rowdy, Kumar stated that the MLA’s actions have brought disrepute to both his assembly constituency and Dakshina Kannada district.
Kumar highlighted the dissatisfaction among the people of Belthangady, expressing their dismay and embarrassment over Poonja’s derogatory remarks against officers and his support of a rowdy-sheeter. Emphasizing the need for Poonja to demonstrate his political strength by contesting again, Kumar criticized the MLA for frequently resorting to abusing and threatening government officials, tarnishing his public image.
Further, Kumar recalled previous instances of Poonja’s alleged misconduct, citing an incident where he verbally abused forest officials for acting against land encroachment. Additionally, Kumar referenced a controversial road rage incident involving Poonja, where false allegations were made regarding an attempted attack with a sword. According to Kumar, such instances reflect Poonja’s tendency to fabricate allegations to garner attention.
Responding to accusations from BJP leaders regarding the state of law and order, Kumar pointed fingers back at BJP representatives, asserting their contribution to the perceived deterioration. Joining Kumar, KPCC Working President and MLC Manjunath Bhandary condemned Poonja’s reported abuse and threats towards law enforcement officials, deeming it anti-people and a breach of legislators’ conduct.
Bhandary criticized Poonja’s intervention on behalf of a rowdy-sheeter involved in illegal quarrying activities, while also taking offense to Poonja’s alleged comparison of Congress leader Rakshit Shivaram to a crow. Bhandary argued that such a comparison constitutes an insult to Hindu religious beliefs, as crows are revered in Hinduism.
