BBMP to not collect ground rent for Ganesha pandals

The BBMP will not collect ground rent for pandals erected at public places this Ganesha festival.

BMP Commissioner N Manjunath Prasad has issued an order to this effect.

Earlier this month, there was some confusion after a few television channels quoted Mayor R Sampath Raj saying to collect the ground rent from those who put up pandals to install Ganesha idols during the festival.

This had erupted a debate after which Sampath Raj was called ‘anti-Hindu’.

Now, putting confusion to rest, the commissioner has ordered cancelling of the ground rent.

Meanwhile, the BBMP officials and the city police held a meeting on Tuesday at the Town Hall, where they discussed to provide equal importance to Ganesha and Muharrum festivals.

Police Commissioner T Sunil Kumar said the festivals must be celebrated with fervour and there should be no discrimination between religions. Even the laws are framed to uphold this, he added.

Residents present at the meeting expressed their unhappiness over the Bescom not permitting the lighting arrangements at the pandals.

“BBMP officials make us wait, but at least give us permission. However, the Bescom is not allowing us to use electricity for pandals,” the residents complained.

BBMP Commissioner N Manjunath Prasad was present at the meeting.