Datta Jayanti: Tension grips Chikkamagaluru as saffron leaders spit communal venom

Chikkamagaluru, Nov 27: Provocative statements by leaders of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal ahead of Datta Jayanti programme at the historic Baba Budangiri darga site on the outskirts of the city has created a tense atmosphere in the communally sensitive region.

The activists of VHP and BD are also organising bike rallies in different parts of Chikkamangaluru district to mobilise people for the three-day saffron event beginning on December 1. With the Assembly elections coming soon, the programme has gained significance.

The saffron outfit leaders have been repeatedly saying that they would exhibit their strength on December 3 in Baba Budangiri. A Bajrang Dal leader on Saturday warned that the December 6 incident (Babri mosque demolition) may recur in Baba Budangiri too if Muslims failed to voluntarily shift their graves from the site. SDPI has demanded the police to arrest those who deliver provocative speeches.

Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which has been demanding that the Baba Budan Dargah is declared a Hindu shrine, are also participating in bike rallies. 

VHP and Bajrang Dal leaders have often said that they would mobilise good crowds for the programme this year and pressurise the State government to declare the shrine a place of worship for Hindus.

In view of the three-day event, the Chikkamagaluru district administration has imposed prohibitory orders as per various sections of the Criminal Procedure Code. Those participating in the rally or procession have been restricted from carrying weapons and raising objectionable slogans.

Deputy Commissioner M.K. Srirangaiah has said that the administration will make arrangements for providing basic facilities for the devotees visiting the shrine during the event. Carrying cameras and phones inside the shrine has been banned.

Meanwhile, the district administration has put a restriction on tourists’ visit to places around Baba Budangiri Darga for three days from December 1, in view of the Datta Jayanti.

Srirangaiah has issued a press release stating that no tourists would be allowed to Baba Budangiri, Mullayyanagiri and other places in the hilly ranges. Similarly, movement of long chassis vehicle on the narrow roads connecting these places has also been stopped.

The Datta Mala Abhiyana that began on November 24 will conclude on December 3 when the devotees visit Baba Budangiri for the “religious” programme. Prior to that, the organisers will take out a Sankeertana Yatra on December 1 and Shobha Yatra on December 2.