In light of the ban on Muslim traders from temple festivals in Karnataka, Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has urged Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to “resolve the growing religious divide” in the state, warning that if the tech sector becomes communal it will “destroy” India’s global leadership in it.
“Karnataka has always forged inclusive economic development and we must not allow such communal exclusion- If ITBT (Information Technology and Biotechnology) became communal it would destroy our global leadership. BS Bommai, please resolve this growing religious divide,” Shaw tweeted, sharing a news report.
Shaw is the first big corporate leader to publicly voice concern over rampant anti-Muslim hatred in Karnataka.
The state has been witnessing communal exclusion with Hindutva groups and BJP leaders calling for boycotting Muslim traders after the state made a headline for banning the hijab in educational institutions.
Last week, Hindutva groups demanded temples and management committees to keep Muslims away from doing business in and around the premises. The Hosa Marigudi temple in Mangaluru’s Kaup town did not allot stalls to Muslims during an auction for an annual fair held on March 22 and March 23.
In the Dakshina Kannada district, banners were placed at the Bappandu Durgaparameshwari temple, the Mangaladevi temple and the Puttur Mahalingeshwara temple barring Muslims from setting up stalls at fairs.
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