Eshwarappa stated, “The man who removed Savarkar’s portrait is an SDPI employee whose wife is a Congress councillor.”

Eshwarappa warned Muslims in India on Tuesday, saying it was their responsibility to participate in Hindu holidays. According to the previous minister, Hindus would manage Muslims’ young if Muslims failed to do so.

“The government is making all attempts to maintain peace. I’m not saying all Hindus and Muslims are involved in such things. Hindu society is strong; it is not weak. If Hindu society really stands up, Muslim goondas will not survive, but Hindus don’t want to take the law into their own hands and want the government to take action,” Eshwarappa said on Tuesday.

On August 15, tension rose in Shivamogga when fights broke out near Amir Ahmad Circle between two groups over a picture of Savarkar. The opposing side desired to mount a picture of Tipu Sultan. Prem Singh, a young man, was stabbed during the tense situation. The atmosphere was still tense on Tuesday as Mohammed Zabiullah, a suspect in Prem Singh’s stabbing, was shot  by police after they claimed he had attacked them.