Demolition of temples at Chennarayapattan and Beluru (Karnataka) prevented by HJS

Chennarayapattan (Karnataka) : BJP Government in Karnataka has started demolishing unauthorized prayer houses/ places of worship based on the order issued by the Supreme Court in this context. The attempt of the State Government to declare Sri Hanuman temple at Chennarayapattan and temples at Beluru as unauthorized and their demolition was foiled due to the awareness created by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) among the people. (Why the pro-Hindus in a State governed by BJP do not feel that they should create awareness among people as HJS is doing? Or do they feel that there is nothing wrong with the Government’s action of demolishing temples? – Editor SP)

The temple is in Byandakere village in Chennarayapattan which was considered as unauthorized. The local residents did not know how they should oppose the Government’s move. The members of HJS met the trustees of the temple and explained the matter to them; after which the trustees and the residents came together and submitted a representation to the Tehsildar. They, however, learnt that the temple was still proposed to be demolished during the night. Mr. Harshavardhan of HJS informed about it to the trustees and the local residents. It was then decided to guard the temple in the night and to sleep in the temple. Accordingly, 150-200 locals gathered in the temple in the night. The Tehsildar came with police thrice to demolish the temple; but all of them had to go back due to opposition of the residents.

Even at Beluru, the trustees and local residents had no information about demolishing of the temple. HJS members apprised them of the matter. Later, a rally was taken out by trustees of all temples to protest demolition of the temple, joined by other local eminent personalities. Owing to such unity, the people from Government Administration who had come for demolition had to go back to seek police protection.