The BJP-JD(S) administration in the DK Zilla Panchayat is converting School Development and Monitoring Committees in the district into political platforms, accused DK District Congress Committee President Ramanath Rai.

Speaking at a symbolic protest organised against ‘saffronisation’ of schools, in front of the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat office on Saturday, he said only BJP and JD(S) members are invited for the programmes organised by SDMCs, while those who actually contributed to the upliftment of the schools are neglected. Political speeches are made in SDMC programmes. RSS camps are held at government schools in Vamadapadav, while ABVP is also being supported by the SDMCs, he alleged.

DCC Vice-President Ivan D’Souza said schools are being turned into political institutions.

Congress leader Tharanath Shetty said the Saffron party must be kept away from education. He also criticised MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik for being hand-in-glove in the ‘saffronisation’ efforts.

Later, the protesters met DDPI Chamegowda at the ZP office, where they demanded action against the ZP CEO.
The DDPI assured to take action.

Former ZP president Mamatha Gatti, former mayor Santhosh Hegde, former Surathkal MLA Vijay Kumar Shetty and Congress leader Suresh Ballal were present. Over 100 protesters participated in the stir.