The Karnataka police have arrested BP Mahesh Chandra Guru, a professor in the journalism department of Mysore University and a well-known Phule-Ambedkarite writer. Professor Guru had made some sharp comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union HRD minister Smriti Irani at a function organized in the university recently to pay tributes to Rohit Vemula. He had also allegedly insulted Lord Ram.
Professor Guru is a regular contributor to FORWARD Press. Last year, along with Kannada writers, he had observed Mahishasur Day in Mysore. This event was widely talked-about in Kannada media. Since then, he had become an eyesore for the government.
We condemn the repression of writers of different languages battling against cultural domination and appeal to the people to stand by such writers.
Press Release By Forward Press
Ironically the Karnataka government is headed by Congress. The Congress party raises hue and cry of BJP intolerance and protests in Delhi and other BJP ruled States. Arrest of Prof Guru is a stark reminder that both the ruling bourgeoisie supported parties are two sides of the same coin and cannot be trusted. Intolerance was prevelant in Congress rue and has increased in the present rule. But both parties have the same attitude. Prof Guru should be released immediately.