'Hurting Hindu sentiment': Politics over temple demolition in Karnataka

Demolition of a temple in a remote region of Mysuru has snowballed into a political slugfest.

As part of a Supreme Court order, local administration carried out an anti-encroachment drive on September 8, demolishing what used to be the Adishakti Mahadevamma temple in Nanjangud.

Major outburst by Hindu outfits like Hindu Jagarana Vedike and Vishwa Hindu Parishad soon followed. Bhartiya Janta Party, in power in the state, was divided on the issue. While some leaders like Pratap Simha condemned the demolition, others backed the government officials and justified it as a court sanctioned action.

However, soon the Opposition jumped on the condemnation bandwagon. The opposition hit out at the ruling government saying the BJP has hurt the Hindu sentiment.

Also watch: 'BJP-ruled Gujarat demolished Hindu temple', AAP calls it insult to Hinduism

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya faced the ire of Hindu activists on Thursday during a visit to Chikkamagaluru district. Surya blamed the Congress for fanning the Hindu anger.

Now caught in the political & communal crossfire, the district administration was merely following out the Apex Court’s order and working on a list created by the state government.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had stepped in and halted the drive in order to quell the rising protest. The state also issued a show-cause notice to Mysuru administration.

Over 6,000 structures — including religious structures belonging to all communities — have been identified as encroaching on public roads and utilities.