KS Eshwarappa, a senior BJP Leader and Minister in the present Karnataka Government, called MLAs winning with the help of Muslim votes as ‘Hijras’ (transgender). The minister was speaking at an event organised by Sri Rama Sene to congratulate NDA Government and PM Modi for abrogating Article 370 and 35A from Kashmir. KS Eshwarappa is the Minister of Rural development and Panchayat Raj in the current Karnataka Government.
“Many Congress and JD(S) MLAs are willing to join BJP, but they are afraid they will lose the Muslim votes. They are Hijras (transgenders) they don’t belong to BJP. Those backed by Pakistan will not vote for BJP,” Eshwarappa was quoted as saying by a Kannada daily called Vartha Bharti. He also said that the agenda of Hindutva and Nationalism should be spread across the country.
Reacting strongly to his comments, transgender activist Akkai Padmashali said, “It is highly condemnable and your words are intimidating our community! It shows, you are a transphobic and you remain as an anti minority! Urge to apologise!”
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