BJP opposes construction of Indira Canteen on Banashankari temple land

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s plan to construct an Indira Canteen on Banashan­k­ari Temple
property in Ka­d­irenahalli is facing stiff opposition from BJP leaders.

The land, spread across one acre three guntas belongs to the Endowment Department.  It is located about half-a-km away from the temple. The land was converted into a sand lorry stand by the sand mafia. Two years ago,the Bengaluru Urban district authorities took possession of the land.

S Prakash, BJP co-spokesperson, accused the government of misusing the place of worship. “Government has no regard to sanctity of the place. Why can’t it occupy Wakf Board property?” he sought to know. A BJP leader and former corporator of Banashankari Temple ward A H Basavaraj too opposed BBMP’s plan. “I welcome Indira canteen project but occupying the temple land is not acceptable. Work should stop immediately. Let them identify some other land.” Lakshmi, the duty officer of Bananshankari temple, said the Rs 23-crore plan was submitted to the Endowment department for construction of a convention hall and a shopping complex to generate revenue for the temple.

When contacted, Mayor  G Padmavathi blamed BJP for playing petty politics on the issue. “BJP is unable to see former prime minister Indira Gandhi’s photograph in these canteens. Their charges are politically motivated,” she said.

Banashankari temple ward corporator Ansar Pasha too blamed the BJP for politicising a project that will serve the urban poor. “This kind of public-oriented project should not be politicised by opposition. Canteen will not disturb the temple activities.”