Govt defends AB Ibrahim; Shakuntala puts ball back in temple admin's court

Mangaluru, 17: Defending Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner AB Ibrahim for printing his name on the invitation card of the annual festival of a Muzrai temple in Puttur taluk, the Karnataka state government has urged the Hindutva groups not to blow the issue out of proportion.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister TB Jayachandra on Thursday stated that there was nothing wrong in DC's name being on the invite. “The DC has done nothing wrong. He acted in his capaity as the Deputy Commissioner, and as per the Muzrai Department's rules,” he said.

On Tuesday, right-wing groups demanded the removal of Mr. Ibrahim's name from the invitation card for a State government-administered temple function because he is a Muslim. Congress Puttur MLA Shakuntala Shetty had then said she would “consider removing the name of the officer”.

However, on Wednesday, Ms. Shetty retracted her statement under criticism from several party colleagues, and said she has no problem with the invitation. She also denied calling a meeting of devotees to discuss the issue.

Ms. Shetty, however, said the temple administration should resolve the issue. “If it fails to do so, I will get invitations printed in my personal capacity.” Ms. Shetty, who was earlier with the Bharatiya Janata Party, maintained she was trying to ensure the peaceful conduct of the festival.

Meanwhile, activists of the VHP in Puttur have decided to hold a protest near the Mahalingeshwara Temple on Thursday demanding the printing of new invitation cards for the 10-day-long temple festival by omitting Mr. Ibrahim's name.

They held a meeting outside the temple on Wednesday insisting that the temple administration remove the DC's name. They have also threatened to intensify protests.

In this backdrop, Assistant Commissioner K.V. Rajendra chaired a coordination meeting of officials to discuss security and other arrangements for the annual festival that draws people from different parts of the State. “The invitation is printed as per protocol. There is no question of printing new invitations, unless directed by senior officials,” Mr. Rajendra reiterated.

Also Read: Muslim DC's name row: Rai slams Puttur MLA for succumbing to VHP pressure