Mangaluru: In reply to District In-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai’s demand to show valid proof on the alleged abuse made by him (Rai) to veteran Cogress leader B Janardhana Poojary, Poojary’s long time aide and BJP leader Harikrishna Bantwal dared Rai to come to Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala and make a pledge on his innocence.

Addressing media persons in Mangaluru on Monday, Bantwal said that Rai had abused Poojary in foul language at a marriage reception of a man called Rajesh at Bantara Bhavana in Surathkal in February 2017. Rai’s statement on Poojary was a sudden development and nobody could have presumed it.

Therefore, there was no question of producing a proof. But the people present during the function, including District Youth Congress former president Arun Coelho knows about this, Bantwal claimed.

He has issued a written statement containing the word-to-word remarks made by Rai. He challenged Rai to come to Dharmasthala to prove himself.

“The written statement will be placed before the presiding deity in Dharmasthala, Rai has to come in person and state that he has not uttered these words.”

Bantwal took a dig at Rai saying that he (Rai) has been shedding crocodile tears as he is afraid that the consequences of his action may affect his performance in Legislative Assembly election.