MANGALURU: Dakshina Kannada is silently witnessing the growth of a Hindu organisation with a Congress leader at its helm. ‘Rudra Hindu Rakshaka Dala,’ a new organisation to protect the interests of Hindus and to work for the welfare of the poor, has been functioning under Poornesh Kumar Bhandary, who is the president of Congress IT Cell of Puttur constituency.The organisation aims at working for the religion on a secular line. In addition to extending support to economically weaker sections, the organisation is also active in religious activities. The forum had recently performed the last rites of a poor Hindu woman, who was an orphan, as per religious customs.The organisation, which has many Congress leaders in it, also has the patronage of former MLA T Shakunthala Shetty. A strong Congress leader in Puttur, Shetty has personally taken part in the Ayudha puja and Durga puja held under the aeigis of the forum recently.Poornesh Kumar Bhandary, who is the founder of Rudra Hindu Rakshaka Dala, told TOI that the organisation that was launched four months ago has nothing to do with the Congress. “Being a Congress leader, I stick to the principles of the party as a true Congressman. At the same time, Rudra Hindu Rakshaka Dala is involved in activities related to religion and society. We have 225 members in the forum, and we have launched its students’ wing. We also have a Shakti Dala, which works with the motto of ‘today’s member is tomorrow’s leader’. We support students in their curricular and extra-curricular activities by extending them necessary help. Our activities are not limited to a particular caste, community, religion or political affiliation,” he said.When asked about the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, RSS and other similar right-wing organisations, Bhandary said, “We are not functioning to compete with any organisation. Our contribution to society is important to us.”Shakunthala Shetty, who lost against BJP candidate Sanjeeva Matandoor by a margin of 19,477 votes in the assembly election, said she took part in Rudra Hindu Rakshaka Dala’s religious programme since it is a youth organisation that values humanity.“It is not a Congress affiliated organisation. They have been taking up initiatives of social responsibility by helping Hindus. Further, I would like to say that ‘Hindutva’ is not a property of anyone. One who is born in Hindustan is a Hindu. Hindu dharma is respecting elders, loving children, living in harmony with others and it is a framework for humanity,” Shetty added.

Stay updated with all the Latest Mangalore headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.