Temple priest confronts Kumaraswamy over his "anti-Brahmin" remarks

Bengaluru: A temple priest in Gokarna on Wednesday confronted JDS leader HD Kumarswamy, seeking clarification from him over alleged anti-Brahmin comments.

Targeting BJP's Pralhad Joshi, he had said the union minister belonged to Peshwa Brahmins who divide societies and kill great leaders including Mahatma Gandhi.

Amidst protests against Kumaraswamy's remarks, the Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha condemned his comments on Brahmin community.

"Your anti-Brahmin statement has very much hurt us. We respect your family. I had felicitated Deve Gowda, and he went to become chief minister and then prime minister. You became the chief minister as well," the priest told Kumaraswamy who visited the temple.

"I request you to give a clarification on your hurtful comments," he stated.

In response, Kumaraswamy said that he is not anti-Brahmin, but was referring to BJP and Peshwas. "We have immense respect for Brahmins," he stressed.

"I was referring to those who destroyed Sringeri mutt, not to those Brahmins whose culture is Sarve jana sukhino bhavantu," he added.

Kumaraswamy on Sunday had claimed that the RSS was planning to make Joshi chief minister along with 8 deputy chief ministers after the elections.

Hinting at the family fracas over ticket distribution, Joshi made this controversial remark by saying that the JDS should take out a 'Navagraha Yatre', instead of 'Panchratna Yatre', as 8-9 family members of Deve Gowda are in politics. (UNI)