‘Adjustment Ashok’: R Ashoka’s reference to Mangaluru pub attack in Assembly debate draws ire of Bajrang Dal

Team Udayavani, Feb 21, 2024, 5:32 PM IST

Mangaluru: BJP MLA and Leader of the Opposition state Legislative Assembly R Ashoka’s reference to the 2009 Mangaluru pub attack during the Assembly debate on the issue of the alleged disparaging remarks against Hinduism by teachers in a private school in the city and the aftermath has sparked a controversy.

Ashoka drew the ire of Bajrang Dal members for stating, “I had invoked the Goonda Act against the Bajrang Dal workers” in reference tothe 2009 pub attack incident of Manglauru. Ashoka advised the government to take a firm stance, reminiscent of actions taken during his tenure as Home Minister.

“When I was Home Minister there was pressure on me too, I never looked back. Goonda Act had been imposed on all of them. You should take a bold stand like that,” he told the Assembly.

This statement stirred considerable outrage, with Bajrang Dal leader Puneeth Attavar dubbing Ashoka as “Adjustment Ashok” on social media. Additionally, numerous Sangh Parivar activists expressed their displeasure.

The incident Ashok referred to dates back to January 24, 2009, when Sri Ram Sena activists garnered national attention for attacking and assaulting a group of young men and women at a pub in Mangaluru.