Activists protest against Pejawar seer at Sahitya Sammelana venue

A group of progressive thinkers and activists on Sunday staged a protest in front of the main stage (Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Vedike) of the 83rd Kannada Sahitya Sammelana at Maharaja College Grounds here, condemning the demand by Pejawar seer Vishwesha Thirth Swami seeking amendment to the Constitution.

The octogenarian seer, during his speech at Dharma Sansad in Udupi, demanded that the government amend the Constitution to do away with special provisions for minorities in order for equality in the society, and to protect cows.

The agitating activists raised slogans against Pejawar seer.

Dr Meenakshi Bali said, "Pejawar seer's statement is against the principles of Democracy. He (seer) does not believe in pluralistic society. He is misleading the people by spreading lies."

The seer is trying to reestablish the Chaturvarna (Varna system). It is unfortunate that the Dharma Sansad, chaired by Pejawar seer, passes a resolution on the dead cattle, but they do not have time to discuss the assassination of rationalist Gauri Lankesh, the agitators complained.