Islamophobic Remarks :
Previously a television anchor, Chaitra Kundapura is now a hardcore Hindu far-right campaigner. She has become a well-known character in coastal Karnataka thanks to her vehement statements with obviously anti-Muslim connotations.
She played a significant role in organizing the anti-hijab demonstration and made a significant contribution to spreading the myth of “love jihad” in the area.
A Karnataka court sentenced Chaitra Kundapura and five of her companions to seven days in police prison in 2018. She was detained for attacking Guruprasad Panja, the Hindu Jagarana Vedike’s Sullia taluk secretary.
“Hindus, who make up 70% [of the population], will convert Muslim girls in under two days. Burqas won’t be seen in Muslim homes if Bajrang Dal activists start dating Muslim women. At a Bajrang Dal gathering in October 2021, Kundapura declared, “We shall apply Vermilion on the forehead of daughters of every Muslim home and bring them along.
On the basis of a complaint made by a local, she was arrested for using hate speech in violation of Sections 153 A (promote disharmony, animosity, or emotions of hatred among various groups) and 505 (2) (statements inciting enmity, hatred, or ill-will) of the Indian Penal Code.
She frequently appears on stage with well-known bigots who incite anti-Muslim sentiment, such as Pramod Muthalik and Siddalinga Swami.
Hindu youth were also inspired by Kundapura to spearhead a vicious anti-hijab movement in Karnataka. Her shrill, hateful statements demeaning Muslims gave Hindu boys and girls the confidence to carry saffron scarves in an effort to make fun of Muslim girls’ demands to wear the hijab in schools and colleges.
The revolting shift in the mindset of Hindu youngsters filled Kundapura with pride. “I saw girls wearing saffron shawls in Kundapura after many years,” she shouted. When I was a member of the ABVP, I wore a shawl, but it is encouraging to see so many girls do it now. It appears to be the outcome of the effort we put in, she remarked.
She continued, “When we are spreading knowledge about the Hindu cause, we should reach out to young individuals under the age of 30, as this will lead the philosophy to be permanently ingrained in their thoughts.
Her social media pages are filled with images from anti-Muslim protests, campaigns, and public outreach initiatives.