DKShi is not trying to gain political mileage: Ivan on Jesus statue row

Mangaluru: Amid the controversy over land for the 114-feet tall Jesus Christ statue at Kapala Betta in Kanakapura, MLC Ivan D’Souza on Saturday said that several baseless allegations are being levelled against Congress MLA D K Shivakumar.

Pointing out that Harobele Kapala Betta Development Trust, which was formed in 2016 had approached Kanakapura MLA and MP B K Suresh with an application seeking land for religious purpose Ivan informed that the government had given its consent for allotment of land after discussing the matter in the cabinet.

He refuted charges levelled against D K Shivakumar that he was trying to gain any kind of political mileage, or resorting to vote bank politics by appeasing a particular community.

Further, Ivan informed that records indicate that the Christian community has been residing in this region since 1662 and people have been offering prayers to Jesus here on Fridays. On the occasion of Good Friday, the devotees conduct ‘Way of the Cross’ at Kapala Betta, popularly known as Yesu Betta, he said.

He further added that a delegation will meet chief minister B S Yediyurappa and the governor to resolve the issue.

Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh president Rolphy D’Costa, corporators Naveen D’Souza and Lancelot Pinto, and others were present.