BJP launches indefinite protest seeking permission for Ganesh festivities at Idgah Maidan in Hubballi

BJP agitates for permission to hold Ganesh festivities at Hubballi's Idgah Maidan; Anjuman-e-Islam files writ petition in HC; BJP council members allege breach of privilege by inserting additional agenda in council meeting.

The issue of installation of Ganesh idol at the Idgah Maidan in Hubballi turned into a contentious issue this year with the Municipal Corporation yet to take a decision and the BJP leaders launching an indefinite agitation on Thursday seeking permission to hold public celebrations of the festival at the venue like last year.

Earlier in the day, Member of Legislative Assembly Arvind Bellad led a delegation of BJP council members and leaders to urge Municipal Commissioner Eshwar Ullagaddi to give permission for the festivities at the venue.

He argued that as already the Municipal Corporation has passed a resolution permitting the celebration of Ganesh festival at the venue, the Municipal Commissioner should issue permission based on the resolution.

“Already, a resolution has been passed by the Municipal Council. The question of seeking permission from the Deputy Commissioner or the government does not arise at all,” he said.

The Municipal Commissioner, however, clarified that despite the resolution by the council, he has to consider various issues, including law and order before, taking any decision and so, he has sought the opinion of the Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad.

But the BJP council members took exception to it. They, meanwhile, urged him to discuss the issue with the Deputy Commissioner and give permission at the earliest. As they did not get any specific assurance from the Municipal Commissioner, they came out of his office and announced that they will hold an indefinite agitation till the permission is given.

Staging a dharna in front of the Municipal Commissioner’s office, the protestors raised slogans against the State government and said that the Siddaramaiah-led government is not giving permission for the festival to be celebrated at the Idgah Maidan only to appease Muslims. They also sought to know how can it become a law and order issue now, as the festival was celebrated peacefully last year. They even said that the Municipal Commissioner is acting like a puppet of the State government.