Controversies come in even for Datta Peeta repair

  Controversies, cases, politics—all have become part of the peeta. For everything, Peeta has become mute spectator. Those who come in much devotion have to seek blessings from Him, in front of iron gate itself.

Everyone knew that Inam Dattatreya Peeta will collapse one day. In fact, a plan was ready to preserve the cave in association with Tar steel Foundation of India four years ago. However, owing to lack of political will, fear of contempt of court, district administration had not given much importance to it. As a result, finally on June 27, 2008, it caved in owing to the heavy rains.

Yet another controversy

When Bababudangiri cave collapsed, BJP government was busy with its ‘Operation Kamala’ to remain in power. Though Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had taken vow to visit the Peeta, after coming to power, he did not pay visit even after one month of taking oath as CM. When opposition began criticising the government for not taking any action to repair, state government finally sent a delegation led by Home Minister to have a study on the cave. Though one year passed before calling for a tender for the repair work. When finally, government decided to hand over the repair work on Binyas company, JD(S) leaders approached Court and brought in stay order. The government is trying its level best to vacate the stay order.

As ‘Datta paduke’ is kept in district treasury after the collapse of the cave, the number of devotees taking part in Dattamala Abhiyana and Datta Jayanthi have dwindled. Realising it, Sangh Parivar decided to observe Datta Jayanthi and Dattamala Abhiyana on the same day last year. Muslim devotees have remained away from peeta as they are denied of darshan of the place where Dada Hayat Khalandar was sitting and four gori. Very few devotees took part in Sandal Urus held in last March.

What they say

Those who were levelling allegation that BJP government is showing lethargic attitude towards repairing the cave, have approached the court and brought stay order when the government began the repair work—MLA C T Ravi.

JD (S) do not have any problem in the repair of the cave near Bababudangiri Inam Dattatreya Peeta. However, we will not allow any attempt to harm the harmony in the name of repair work—JD(S) Spokesperson Y S V Datta.  During the repair work, no tombs should be shifted from the present place. The original structue of the cave should not change. Government should appoint an in charge committee to look into the repair work. The repair work should be undertaken as per the directions of Supreme Court—Karnataka Komu Sauharda Vedike State Secretary K L Ashok.  We aim at preserving the original structure of the cave and to construct a roof to prevent rain water entering the cave—Deputy Commissioner R Narayanaswamy.