Koppal
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit to the district headquarters on October 6 stirred tensions after police reportedly pressured the removal of a saffron garland at the Tulja Bhavani temple in Bhagyanagar.
The garland, tied in rows by the Somavamsha Sahasrarjuna Kshatriya (SSK) Samaj as part of Sharannavaratri celebrations, faced scrutiny ahead of Siddaramaiah’s inauguration of the nearby Indira Canteen. SSK leaders instructed the police to remove it, citing the CM’s visit.
Upon learning of the police action, hundreds including Legislative Council member Hemalatha Nayak, BJP state executive member Dr Basavaraj Cavatar, leader Pranesh Madinur, and SSK Samaj president Jawaharlal Sa Antalamarada protested, shouting slogans of “Jai Shri Ram.”
The saffron garland, erected annually with permission from local authorities and the police, was not politically motivated. Protesters expressed anger over police interference, insisting it was part of traditional Sharannavaratri observances.
A verbal altercation occurred, but police eventually relented. Town Police Inspector Jayaprakash clarified that the garland would not be removed and that no pressure would be applied. The crowd celebrated, chanting slogans and calming the situation, allowing the garland to remain in place ahead of the Chief Minister’s visit.
