Mysore/Mysuru: The Hindu Jagaran Vedike held a demonstration in protest against the razing down of Huchhagani Mahadevamma Temple in Nanjangud taluk of the district, in front of Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple at the Palace North Gate here on Tuesday. Addressing the protesters, Vedike’s South India Organisational Secretary Jagadish Karanth said that those who hurt Hindu sentiments will not be able to win the next elections. 

Strongly condemning the razing down of the centuries old temple, he said that the entire Assembly has condemned the action. Contending that the authorities cannot go against the sentiments of Hindus in the future, he said that the entire Hindu Samaja will unite in defeating those who play with Hindu sentiments.

Observing that the Supreme Court has not directed for demolition of any places of worship, he welcomed the State Government’s decision to introduce a Bill on conservation of places of worship.

Referring to the Bharat Bandh called by farmer organisations, Karanth opined that the Bandh should have been successful for the cause of farmers. But instead, the Bandh failed to evoke a good response due to political interference, he noted and added that any Movement with political motives is bound to fail.

Home Minister visits protest venue

The State’s Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, who was in city on Tuesday to take part in official programmes, sprung a surprise by visiting the Hindu Jagarana Vedike’s  protest site.

Addressing the protesters, Jnanendra said that the Huchhagani Temple was razed due to a flawed understanding of the Apex Court order by the authorities.

Pointing out that he has come to know of the entire facts concerning the temple demolition, he said that the issue was discussed in the just concluded Assembly Session too and the Government has come up with a Bill on conserving places of worship. 

Arguing that no Government had brought such a Bill before so quickly, he said that though there may be some lapses in the Bill, it will be rectified and the Chief Minister too has repeatedly asserted that the Government was for conservation of places of worship. 

Vedike office-bearers Lohit Urs, Narasimhegowda and others were present.