Protest in Bijapur to oppose the govt. order to demolish unauthorized temples

Memorandom to bijapur DC

Bijapur (Karnataka) : On 2nd Nov 2010 a massive protest rally was organized in Bijapur by the Hindu Janajaguti Samiti to protest against the government’s order to demolish unauthorized temples. A petition was submitted to the district commisioner.The procession began from the venue of the temple of the gramadevata Shri Siddheshwar  after ceremonial worship (pooja) to the dharmadhwaja (Flag of dharma) by the municipal councilors and temple trustees. About 150 dharmaabhimaanis, devotees, temple trustees, members of Sri Rama Sena, A. P. group, Bajaranga dal, participated. The protest rally proceeded via the Gandhi square and ended at the office of the district commissioner. The protestors assembled in front of the district commissioner `s office. Mr. Venkataramana Naik, the district coordinator of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, speaking about the issue of the demolition of unauthorized temples said, “Demolishing temples by labeling them as unauthorized is an act of treason on the part of the government, as far as devotees are concerned. If they go on demolishing temples like this the next generation will not be left with any devotion to god. The central government should take steps to make these temples authorized and thereby bring peace to the hearts of devotees. Additionally, the state government should stop the take-over of temples. In the event of the temples being taken over by the government there is the risk of persons who are lacking devotion and faith being appointed as the pujaris.” He also highlighted the way in which there is misuse of funds from temples which have already been taken over by the government. Mr. Rajesh Devagiri said “in case the government demolishes these temples it should provide alternate sites to erect these temples again and also make them into authorized temples.”  Dharmabhimaani Mr. Ravi Bagali said “Lokamanya Tilak put in efforts to unite a people who were divided. Now it is time once again for us to get united. It is time again for us to make India powerful. It is time once again for us to unite to build the Ram Mandir.” The temples where we worship with faith should not be demolished. If this is done it will destroy the mental peace of the people.

Mr. Shivarudra Bagalakot expressed the view that these temples should not be demolished. Instead they should be given the status of authorized temples in a proper manner. He also congratulated Hindu Janajagruti Samiti for its commendable action of organizing such protest meetings and rallies. Mr. Umesh Bandaal, Muncipal commisioner also spoke on the occasion. The Chief of Sri Rama Sena in Uttara Karnataka Mr. Neelakantha Kandagal said, “We, in this country are living under terrible circumstances. Everywhere there is corruption, terrorism. The district commissioner himself is sitting in an unauthorized building. He should question himself regarding this. Later the gathered protestors raised slogans. The event ended with the petition being presented to the district commissioner   

Highlights:

1.    On seeing the procession a dharmabhimani Santosh Patil garlanded the dharmadhvaj and prostrated to it. He said, “Hereafter you will get my support for this cause forever.”
2.    The meet was covered by a lot of media representatives.
3.    A large proportion of the participants were prominent leaders.

Source: Our Correspondent