Pratap Simha questions two FIRs over his remarks

Mysuru: Former parliamentarian Pratap Simha spoke in Mysuru after two FIRs were registered over comments linked to the Ganesh immersion procession at T Narasipura. He challenged the action, saying the inspector had supplied the provocation yet the FIR named him, and that an atrocity case had been added. He added that he speaks only within the Constitution and conducts himself only within the law.

A case had already been booked earlier against Pratap Simha and several others over the same procession on counts of inflammatory speech, disturbance of public peace and obstruction of police work.

Addressing the latest charge, he asked what words of his justified an atrocity case and recalled saying only whether critics would speak against his side while wearing a blue shawl. He also put questions to Dalit organisations, asking whether slogan-shouting against him by people who had taken out a harmony march itself counted as harmony.

Those who do not know Ambedkar, he said, lack the moral standing to discuss him; they should raise their voice where injustice occurs and for worthy causes, after which his side would stand with them.

Stating respect for Dr. B R Ambedkar, he said the leader belongs not only to them but to his side as well, that he honours the blue shawl and is not opposed to it. He noted that he has written earlier on Ambedkar’s thought, declared he is not anti-Dalit, asked others not to twist the issue, and said his position has already been stated clearly. Reports from 23 September said one more FIR had been filed against him on a complaint of caste insult directed at a police officer.

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The Hans India