Mangaluru: “India will stay united if we have enough nationalism and patriotism in us. Questioning spirit of nationalism has become a ‘fashion’,” said National BJP Chief Amit Shah.

He was addressing the public gathering after inaugurating ‘Freedom 70 – Remembering sacrifices’ at Mangalore University auditorium, Konaje. Freedom 70 is a part of BJP’s very own ‘Tiranga Yatra’ campaign.

“Some are questioning nationalism in the social media sites. I would like to remind them that if there was no nationalism and patriotism, then we wouldn’t had freedom. Some are questioning the nationalism in the name of freedom of expression. If there was no freedom then how such people would have the freedom of expression? These sorts’ ideologies are misleading youths,” he said.

He further called the people of India to unite against such issues for the sake of unity. “It is very much painful to challenge the patriotism and nationalism, because people like Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru and Sukhdev sacrificed their life for freedom. And now you are questioning the patriotism. Youth should read the history of Indian freedom fight, so that they can understand thoroughly how and why some people sacrificed their life by chanting only ‘Vande Mataram and Bahrat Mata Ki Jai’.”

He further said that questioning the nationalism and patriotism and spreading anti – social ideologies in the name of freedom of expression is condemnable. Anyone can question a party’s ideology, but not the Indian ideology. Some organisations wants break the unity of the country, a small message to those organisations: “freedom fighters are the true inspiration for the youths, not you”

“Rani Abbakka fought against Portuguese for four times. She prevented Mangaluru from the attacks of Portuguese, but she haven’t got recognised in the history of freedom fight,” Shah opined.

Speaking on the occasion Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said that Mangaluru is located in between Bhatkal and Kasargod, which are well known for terrorist activities.

“Entire coastal region should understand the message delivered by BJP President. We should work as a unit with patriotism to eradicate anti-national activities to bring back the glory of bygone era,” he said.

Descendent of Rani Abbakka, Kuldip Chowta was honoured on the occasion.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, State BJP President B S Yeddyurappa, Chancellor of NITTE University N VInay Hegde, district BJP President Sanjeev Matandoor and others were present.