Belagavi:  While the right-wing outfits and temple authorities are not allowing Muslim vendors to set up their stalls near temples, an MLA of the ruling BJP government has opposed such actions.

Belagavi MLA Anil Benake has said that he is not in favour of any such restrictions to be imposed on the Muslim traders.

The ruling BJP has already made it clear that it will not take any action against temple authorities for not allowing non-Hindu merchants on temple premises and religious fairs.

Meanwhile, the BJP MLA has said that it is unacceptable to ask people to buy from particular shops or particular persons based on their religious identity.

“There is no question of a ban on Muslim merchants in the fairs. We will not stop them,” Benake said.

Admitting that every citizen has the right to carry out business as per their choice, he said that people have the right to decide where they want to buy, he said further.

Answering a question if he is an aspirant for a cabinet berth, Benake replied in the affirmative. “Last time, representation was not given to the Maratha community and the demand has been growing, however, I will abide by the decision of the high command,” he said.

Benake also welcomed students who came to their educational institution wearing Hijabs, with flowers, on the first day of the SSLC (Class 10) exams.