Tue May 13 15:42:28 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Gopalakrishna Temple Trust in Karnataka, India, has issued an apology to the local Muslim community after a speech by Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja during a temple festival allegedly contained hate speech targeting Muslims. The MLA accused a section of the Muslim community of damaging property and questioned the invitation of Muslims to the event. A police case was filed against the MLA. Following a complaint from the local Muslim Okkoota expressing hurt over the allegations, the temple trust apologized, emphasizing their desire for continued harmony between communities. The MLA has defended his speech, claiming he was simply “awakening the Hindu society.”

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Temple Trust Apologizes to Muslim Community After MLA’s Alleged Hate Speech**

**MANGALURU, May 13, 2025** – The Gopalakrishna Temple Trust in Tekkar, Belthangady taluk, Dakshina Kannada district, has formally apologized to the Muslim community after Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja made allegedly inflammatory remarks during a temple festival earlier this month.

The incident occurred on May 3 during the ‘dharmika sabha’ program of the temple’s Brahmakalashotsava function. According to reports, MLA Poonja accused a section of the Muslim community of vandalizing tubelights installed by the event’s organizing committee and criticized the decision to invite Muslims to the festival.

The Uppinangady police filed a case against Mr. Poonja on May 4 under Section 353(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, charging him with making an inflammatory speech.

In a letter to the temple trust, members of the local Muslim Okkoota expressed their dismay, stating that the MLA’s “baseless comment… deeply hurt us.” Abdul Razak, president of Tekkar Gram Panchayat and organizing secretary of Muslim Okkoota, Saralikatte, Tekkar, told *The Hindu* that the community has long lived in harmony with others and participates in each other’s festivities.

On May 7, following a meeting with the Okkoota, the temple trust issued a letter apologizing for any adverse comments made during the Dharmika Sabha program and thanking the Muslim community for their participation in the Brahmakalashotsava. The trust emphasized its commitment to maintaining harmonious relations between all communities in the future.

Speaking to reporters on May 5, MLA Poonja defended his remarks, stating that he was merely “awakening the Hindu society.” The government, however, has interpreted his speech as communal and inflammatory.

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