Mangaluru: Actor Prakash Rai said the time is ripe to oppose politicians who play politics in the name of religion.
He was speaking at the Samarasya Nadige Souhardatheyedege, the walk for harmony, organised by Dakshina Kannada district minister B Ramanath Rai, from Farangipet to Mani in Bantwal taluk on Tuesday.

“Those playing politics even in murder are demons. Any religion that instigates murder is not a religion. Religion and caste are created by man and none of them asks its followers to kill people. We need to oppose those playing politics in the name of religion too. We need to live amicably keeping aside all our difference and not with bloodshed and enmity,” he told the large gathering.

Calling upon politicians to be sensible, Rai said: “I consider it my responsibility to stand with people when attempts are made to breach peace in society. I’m doing this duty as a responsible actor. People in the state are not idiots; they understand everything. They know very well who instigates communal riots. Be it a political party or a religion, it’s not right to kill people. This walk for harmony is against those who play politics of vengeance,” he said.

CPM state secretary Srirama Reddy said the nation is witnessing instances of deaths in the name of ideologies and difference of opinions. “The RSS has been pushing the nation towards danger. It’s on a mission to make one nation, one law and one language. Celebrities like Prakash Rai and Kamal Haasan had to face trouble for speaking out. Those who propagate the murder culture are ruling the nation,” Reddy said.

Talking about communal riots in Uttar Kannada district, Reddy said the alleged murder of an individual has been politicized.
“Innocents are being beaten up in Sirsi. The BJP has been playing politics in the name of Hanumantha in Tumakuru. Even the freedom of wearing the dress of one’s choice is at stake in the nation,” Reddy said.

Rai, who spearheaded the walk, said communal forces have made Dakshina Kannada district their laboratory. “Coastal Karnataka has its own history of religious harmony. People from all sections of the society were part of Yakshagana, Kola and Jathre.

There was a strong bond and love between all religions and castes. However, forces have made the region their laboratory for communal divide. Let’s fight for a nation of harmony,” Rai said.