Protests intensified in the Keragodu district of Karnataka’s Mandya on Monday following the removal of a saffron flag featuring Lord Hanuman’s image from a 108-ft post. Locals and right-wing activists are demanding the restoration of the Hanuman dhwaja.
The flag was brought down by local authorities and replaced with the Tricolour, leading to a restive crowd and mild lathi-charge by the police on Sunday. According to CM Siddaramaiah, permission was granted only to hoist the national and Kannada flags, which prompted the authorities’ intervention.
To prevent further escalation, a significant number of police were deployed in Keragodu, with Section 144 imposed to restrict gatherings. Barricades were also set up around the flagpole. However, the anger among the protesters continued to simmer.
In response to the flag controversy, many markets remained shut as protesters called for a shutdown. They marched to the Mandya collector’s office while holding saffron flags and chanting Jai Shri Ram. Members of various political parties, including JD(S) chief and former CM HD Kumaraswamy, opposition leader R Ashoka, and BJP functionaries CT Ravi and Preetham Gowda, joined the march.
During the protests, some individuals attempted to target a banner featuring the image of CM Siddaramaiah and other Congress functionaries, according to the police.
The removal of the saffron flag has ignited a political slugfest, with CM Siddaramaiah accusing the BJP and JD(S) of trying to instigate people ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He emphasized his commitment to secularism and his belief in coexistence and tolerance, as enshrined in the constitution. On the other hand, Basavaraj Bommai, the senior BJP MLA, accused the Congress government of practicing appeasement politics.
The incident has created tension in the Keragodu district, as the demand to reinstate the Hanuman dhwaja continues to grow. With protests escalating and political parties entering the fray, the situation remains tense. The local authorities and police are working to maintain order and ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
It is crucial to address the concerns of the locals while upholding legal and ethical standards. As the situation unfolds, the district administration and state government will play a pivotal role in resolving the flag dispute and easing tensions in the area.
