Vijayapura: Temple staff & Hindu activists quarrel over removing controversial banner

Ahead of the annual Sri Siddeshwara Sankranthi Jatra Mahotsava in Vijayapura, a confrontation took place between the temple management committee and activists from Hindu organizations over a banner erected at the premises stating that only Hindu traders should be allowed to put up stalls during the annual fair.

Reportedly, the altercation broke out after the temple staff tried to remove the banner.

Hindu organistations had earlier submitted a petition to BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who also happens to be the temple committee president, requesting him to allow only Hindu traders to participate in the Siddeshwara fair, scheduled to be held from January 12 to 16.

Banners insisting that traders from other communities not be allowed to do business had also been erected here. As the temple staff decided to remove these banners a quarrel broke out between them and Hindu activists.

Sri Rama Sene leader Neelakanta Kandagalla arrived at the spot. He claimed that the historic Sri Siddeshwara Sanstha belongs only to the Hindus of Akhanda Vijayapura and expressed that Muslims should not be allowed to trade in the Siddeshwara Sankramana fair.