Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations allowed at Idgah grounds in Hubli, Karnataka
Hubli (IANS). Following controversies, civic authorities have given permission for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at the controversial Idgah grounds in Karnataka’s Hubli district.
Dharwad-Hubli City Corporation Commissioner Ishwar Ullagaddi handed over the permission letter late on Friday night to allow the three-day festival.
Opposition BJP and Hindutva organizations had protested under the leadership of saffron party MLAs Arvind Bellad and Mahesh Tenginakayi.
The protesters blocked the road, condemning the civic body for not handing over the permission letter even after the High Court decision.
Police Commissioner Uma Sukumaran and additional police forces reached the spot and pacified the protesters and got the traffic jam cleared.
Earlier on Friday, the Dharwad bench of the Karnataka High Court had rejected the petition opposing the installation of Ganesh idol and celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi in the Idgah grounds complex.
The petition was filed by Anjuman-e-Islam organization protesting the decision of Hubli-Dharwad City Corporation to grant permission to celebrate Ganesh Utsav at the controversial site.
The approval was given in the general body meeting held last month and later the Municipal Corporation refused to give permission.
The Eidgah controversy in Hubli began in 1971 when Anjuman-e-Islam tried to build a shopping complex on the site and allegedly erected a building in violation of the 1921 lease agreement.
With time this dispute took a political turn.
In 1992, during the Congress rule, an attempt was made to hoist the tricolor on the campus. However, the then ruling party stopped the action, arguing that the flag could not be flown on “disputed” land.
Fears were raised that this action could spread communal tension.
In 1994, BJP leader Uma Bharti had said that she would hoist the Indian flag in the field on Independence Day.
However, fearing communal tension, the Congress government imposed curfew and stopped them and some others were arrested after they forcefully entered the city.
In this incident, six people were killed in police firing.
