They argued that supporters installed the statue out of admiration and affection for the former Chief Minister.
Dharwad
Members of the Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Geleyara Balaga staged a protest in front of the Dharwad Deputy Commissioner’s office on Monday, opposing the removal of a statue of former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that had been installed near Court Circle in Kalaburagi.
The protesters expressed their displeasure over the removal and demanded that the statue be reinstalled at the same location. They said Siddaramaiah is regarded by his supporters as a leader of the AHINDA communities and the Halumatha community. They argued that the statue had been installed by people as a mark of their admiration and affection for the former Chief Minister.
The statue was installed overnight near Biddapur Cross in Kalaburagi on September 17. According to Public TV, supporters installed the statue without obtaining permission from the city corporation. Corporation officials later removed it under police protection, stating that it had been installed without authorisation.
The Dharwad protesters criticised the manner in which the statue was removed and objected to it being taken away in a municipal vehicle. They said the action had hurt the sentiments of people who support Siddaramaiah and demanded that the authorities reconsider the decision.
The issue had also involved competing claims over the naming and use of the circle. Public TV reported that members of the Koli community had sought permission to name the circle after late leader Vitthal Heroor, while Siddaramaiah supporters had earlier put up a board referring to it as Siddaramaiah Circle. The corporation had not granted permission for the statue installation.
During Monday’s protest, the organisation warned that a larger agitation would be launched if the statue was not restored at the same location. The protesters called for the authorities to address the issue and respect the sentiments expressed by Siddaramaiah’s supporters. The protest remained focused on the demand for reinstallation of the statue.
