Mangaluru : Muslim organisations felicitated MP and newly elected BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel here at Hotel Ocean Pearl on Tuesday, September 3.

Addressing the gathering, Nalin Kumar Kateel said, “Few people might be stunned to see Muslim organizations felicitating Nalin Kumar Kateel. During the last several years I have worked under several positions and have received several felicitations, but this felicitation will go right up there and will be in memory for a long time to come.

“Through this felicitation, Muslim organizations have increased my responsibility. I have come from RSS background which taught me two things that is to respect the nation and to see God in humans. I was no one in the year 2009 as I was a common BJP representative. Today people have recognized me and made me the state president of BJP.

“I have gained love and affection from the people. The people have kept faith in me and I make sure I will fulfill the expectations of the people. Earlier Hindu and Muslims were united and shared a good bonding, but after the vote bank politics started, the rift between Hindu and Muslim also began.

“I assure that I will work for the people and fulfill the demands of the people which is my duty and work for the development of the district,” he said.

Y Abdulla Kunhi, Chancellor, Yenepoya University said, “Because of the ability of Nalin Kumar Kateel, the BJP high command has appointed him as the state BJP president. He is known for his bonding with the people and he addresses their problems.”

President of state minorities’ commission, G A Bawa said, “It is not a small matter to become a state president of BJP. It is a proud moment for us. High command recognized his ability, dedication and made him as state president of BJP.”

Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Abdul Hameed, Beary’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry president S M Rasheed, president of Ullal darga Abdul Rasheed, former MLA Rukmaya Poojary, managing director of Vishwas Bawa Builders Abdul Rauf Puttige and others were present.