K'taka polls: Muslims object to Thimmaiah's presence during Ramzan prayers in Chikkamagaluru

Chikkamagaluru: There was commotion during the Ramzan prayers here on Saturday as Congress candidate H.D. Thammaiah visited the Idgah Ground in KEB Circle to greet Muslims on the festive eve. However, what was meant to be a goodwill gesture turned into a heated altercation between the two groups.

A group of Muslims, who had come for mass prayers, accused Thammaiah of misusing the religious gathering for election campaigning. The Congress candidate was not given the opportunity to speak as Muslims strongly objected to his presence at the event.

As the tension mounted, a war of words broke out between the two Muslim groups. Thammaiah stood as a mute spectator. Eventually, he retreated from the scene.

Block Congress president Manjegowda attempted to pacify the crowd, but his efforts were in vain.