MANDYA: Tension continued to escalate in Mandya district over the removal of a saffron flag bearing Hanuman's image, transforming a local matter into a full-blown political controversy.
The issue which took a political turn on Sunday saw protests across the district, pitting the ruling Congress against the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular). The BJP also staged a protest in Bengaluru.
The issue turned ugly when authorities replaced the saffron flag, previously hoisted to commemorate the consecration of the Ram temple at Ayodhya, with the tricolour atop a 108-ft flagpole in Keragodu village. This move triggered widespread discontent, leading to protests by agitators, including opposition party leaders and workers from the BJP and JD(S).
On Monday, demonstrators descended upon Keragodu village, demanding the reinstatement of the Hanuman flag and marched 15 km to register their protest. However to prevent any untoward incident, police and security personnel were deployed, and Section 144 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) was imposed to maintain order.
The situation turned more volatile as the political discourse escalated. The Congress government faced opposition demands to allow the hoisting of the saffron flag once again amid a warning by agitators pledging to display the saffron flag on every household, temple and commercial establishment in the district. The clash between agitators brandishing Hanuman flags and the police reached a boiling point on Monday, resulting in a brief lathi charge when protesters targeted banners of Congress MLA Ravi Ganiga.
As the district remained under preventative restrictions and heightened security, villagers expressed their displeasure, demanding the lifting of Section 144 and urging action against officials responsible for lowering the flag. The villagers insisted that their voices be heard, emphasizing that the district administration must be held accountable for their actions.
JD(S) chief and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy joined the protest, accusing the Congress government of displaying an 'anti-Hindu' attitude. He demanded the lifting of prohibitory orders, transfer of the Deputy Commissioner and that villagers be allowed to hoist the Hanuman flag.
BJP leader C T Ravi vowed that if such sentiments persist, the people, including farmers in Mandya, would unite against the Congress in the upcoming polls, aiming to secure victory in all 28 seats. Drawing historical parallels, agitators questioned whether the Congress government, displaying an alleged anti-Hindu and anti-Hanuman attitude, could survive just as Ravana could not when he fought against Hanuman.
BJP members stage protest in Bengaluru, demand rehoisting of Hanuman flag
BJP workers led by Leader of the Opposition R Ashok staged a protest in Bengaluru on Monday against the lowering of the Hanuman flag in Mandya.
Hundreds of party workers were detained after gathering near Mysuru Bank circle in Bengaluru to protest though they had not received approval from the police.
Later, BJP office bearers met the Bengaluru DC and submitted a memorandum where they condemned the act of lowering the Hanuma Dhwaja, saying it was done as per the directions of local MLA Ravi Ganiga from the Congress and the minister in charge of the district N Cheluvarayaswamy. They also demanded that the flag be hoisted again at the same place in Keragodu and urged the state government to give respect to Hindu culture.
A large number of police personnel were also deployed in Bengaluru. Similar protests were held by BJP workers in various parts of the state.
