Various political parties and organisations have demanded that the Dattamala campaign and related programmes being planned by the Sangh Parivar should not be given permission. They also assured to support the district administration for the steps taken to ensure law and order. 

The issue was raised at the meeting organised at the DC’s office on Tuesday to collect public opinion with regard to the Sankeertana Yatra.

Congress leader Dr D L Vijay Kumar, BSP district president Radhakrishna and Yusuf Haji expressed opinion that permission must not be given for organising new programmes.

BJP district spokesperson Varasiddhi Venugopal said former minister D B Chandregowda had participated in the Dattajayanthi celebrations organised at Datta peeta last year. Moreover, the district administration had released funds for Dattamala pooja. This year too, for the Sankeertana Yatra, the district administration must extend co-operation, he added.

CPI district secretary Amjad said the Dattapeeta issue still exists as the political parties have failed to use their political will. A permanent solution must be found out for the issue, he suggested.

Ranganath of Bajrang Dal said the Yatra being organised by the Bajrang Dal without having any party affiliations must be given necessary permission. Political parties must stop giving statements in order to play politics, he added.  Ruben Moses said the district administration must take necessary steps to ensure peace along with giving permission for the yatra.

Congress city president Venkatesh Naida said a clear decision has to be taken on the issue. Congress district spokesperson M L Moorthi said Bababudangiri must be preserved as a secular place and it is not desirable to give a new face to it. Sangh Parivar and Muslim leaders must change their stand and take steps to dispel the atmosphere of fear, he advised. Praveen said it is not right to create confusion by giving different statements.

The Bajrang Dal has decided to take out a peaceful procession. He also hoped that the district administration will give the required support.

JD(S) district general secretary H H Devraj said people from other districts must not give statements which disrupts peace. The administration must take steps to conduct the programme in an orderly manner and the party will support the administration in this move, he added.

G K Basavaraj of BSP said the programme should not be organised in the city, while K Mohan said a permanent solution with regard to the Dattapeeta issue must be arrived at. Shareef demanded that an atmosphere of fear is building up in the city and suitable steps must be taken.

BJP general secretary C H Lokesh said 79 MLAs from the State will take part in the Dattamala campaign and peace will be maintained at any cost.

Anil of Bajrang Dal said it is unfortunate that Hindus are forced to seek permission for organising their programmes. Ghous Mohiuddin of Komu Sauharda Vedike said new programmes will not be given permission.
If permission is given for pooja and bhajans, problems can arise, Mohammed Ahmed said. Manjunath, Mallika, Harish and Shivanna gave their suggestions.

PRIORITY TO MAINTAIN PEACE

Deputy Commissioner Naveenraj Singh said the Governor will be submitted a report with regard to the developments taking place in connection with the Dattamal campaign.

Speaking at the peace meeting of various political parties and leaders of various organisations held at DC’s office on Tuesday, he said the secretary of Department of Home has already been submitted a report. Suggestions were given to arrive at a permanent solution for the problem and form a committee.

Suggestions were also given on improving tourism in the region, he informed. Peace should prevail in the district and people should live without any fears. Even people from outside the district must be able to come here without apprehensions.

Moreover politics must be set aside and devotion must exist in everyone’s mind, he felt. If people keep faith in the district administration and join hands with the administration, the imbroglio can be solved. Priority is being given to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere and law and order in the city and district, he added.

CRPF, RAF TO BE DEPLOYED

IGP (western range) A M Prasad said arrangements will be made for the Dattamala campaign which will be held on October 20.

Speaking to presspersons after the meeting held with officers with regard to security arrangements on Tuesday, he said the same number of personnel will be deployed as was done in the last two years. Information with regard to the personnel being deployed will be provided within three days.

CRPF and RAF units will be brought in to ensure peace during the campaign. It is also being ensured that the supreme court order is not flouted and the common man does not suffer, he added. District police chief Vipul was also present.