KPCC president challenges BJP to declare Godse India’s first terrorist

KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad addressing the media during his visit to Shivamogga on Saturday.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president B.K. Hariprasad on Saturday challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to declare Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, as Independent India’s first terrorist.

Speaking to reporters in Shivamogga, Mr. Hariprasad alleged that the BJP-led government at the Centre was trying to erase the memory of Mahatma Gandhi and his role in the freedom struggle. “Will the BJP leaders clarify their stand on Gandhi’s principles and show the courage to declare Nathuram Godse the first terrorist of Independent India?” he asked.

Mr. Hariprasad also stressed the need to preserve places associated with Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom movement and to popularise his writings and speeches. He said farmers’ movements, including the Kagodu Satyagraha, should be introduced to younger generations.

The KPCC president said the Congress would continue its awareness campaign against what he described as attempts by the BJP to weaken the democratic system.

District Congress Committee president H.C. Yogesh, School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, Rajya Sabha member Naseer Hussain and others were present.