The recent controversy surrounding the removal of a Hanuman flag in a Mandya village prompted the suspension of a panchayat official, even as Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah attributed the disturbance to the descendants of Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, who he accused of sowing discord in the state.
Earlier tensions in Keragodu village over the removal of a "Hanuman Dhwaja" have now subsided, according to officials on Tuesday.
As protests by the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) unfolded on Monday in Mandya against the removal of the saffron flag bearing a portrait of Lord Hanuman from a towering flagpole, the Chief Minister alleged that the opposition's actions were driven by a desire for political advantage.
"There are individuals among us who revere (Nathuram) Godse while paying lip service to Mahatma Gandhi," Siddaramaiah remarked to reporters in Bengaluru, following his homage to Gandhi on his death anniversary.
Commenting on the tense situation in Mandya, Siddaramaiah pointed out efforts to disrupt peace, attributing this disruption to the descendants of Godse, ostensibly referring to Gandhi's assassin.
"The disturbers of peace are the progeny of Godse," he asserted, emphasizing the importance of fostering harmony and trust within society to ensure peace. He also stressed the need to refrain from stoking communal tensions.
Reiterating that the Keragodu Panchayat had only permitted the hoisting of the tricolour or Karnataka flag, not any religious or political flag, Siddaramaiah criticized the organizers of the event for deviating from their stated purpose in seeking permission, alleging their actions were motivated by political gain and aimed at inciting unrest.
The authorities subsequently replaced the "Hanuman Dhwaja" with the national flag.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Mandya Zila Panchayat, Sheikh Tanveer Asif, took action by suspending the Panchayat Development Officer of Keragodu village on grounds of dereliction of duty. The suspension was prompted by the officer's failure to adhere to the approved flag display and to address the ensuing law and order issue.
In response, some Congress members distributed tricolour flags to every household in the village, advocating for commitment to the nation.
Additionally, the Keragodu police lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against individuals allegedly responsible for hoisting the Hanuman flag, charging them with various sections of the Indian Penal Code related to unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint, obstructing public servants, and vicarious liability.
