At times, we have no choice but to relocate religious places for development: CM Bommai

Hubballi: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai sought the cooperation of the communities and public at large for making way for developmental activities. As development has to take place, we are left with no choice but to relocate places of worship that obstruct road construction, he said.

He was speaking to reporters after inspecting the ongoing demolition and relocation of a Dargah at Baridevarakoppa here on Friday.

The CM said that the widening of roads has become necessary to keep up with the growth of society. But limited land availability has forced the administration to relocate structures close to the road to make way for the widening works.

Further, Bommai said, work is being done to relocate such religious centers in the entire state, as per the directions from Supre Court. “As far as possible, we are trying to save as many religious centers as possible. When it is scientifically not feasible, they will have to be relocated. In such cases, the respective religious leaders and community should cooperate with the government,” he said.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the cooperation of the religious leaders of the Dargah being relocated. “Their cooperation has enabled us to maintain peace and order. I thank them for this,” he said.

The Dargah have requested for a new mosque to be built, and necessary steps to do so will be taken, he added.

“Thirteen temples have been cleared on this road. Clearing the mosque and temple is painful but sometimes it is inevitable,” he said.

After overseeing the works, Chief Minister Bommai held discussions with the elders of the community and leaders of the Dargah Committee at his residence.