Ganesh Chaturti on Idgah Maidaan

Hubballi: Pramod Muthalik, the leader of Sri Rama Sene, has declared his intention to place a Ganesha idol at the Idgah maidan in Hubballi, sparking a fresh discussion about the use of this communal space. Muthalik argues that if the grounds are used for Eid and other Islamic celebrations, they should also be open for Hindu festivals.
“While the Idgah ground is not located in Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Afghanistan but well within India’s borders, we are resolute in our decision to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi here. Our stance remains firm regardless of opposition,” stated Mutalik.
The sprawling 2.1-acre Bengaluru Idgah Ground, situated in Chamrajpet, serves as the backdrop to this ongoing issue. Last year, the Supreme Court denied permission for Chaturthi festivities here due to an unresolved property dispute.
It’s important to highlight the intricacies of this matter, as seen in the Supreme Court’s denial of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at the Bengaluru Idgah maidan. However, in 2022, the Hubballi Idgah ground successfully hosted Chaturthi celebrations.
The Supreme Court’s decision against Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Chamarajpet Idgah ground was rooted in a dispute between BBMP and the Karnataka State Waqf Board.
Contrastingly, the Karnataka High Court allowed Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at the Idgah property in Hubballi, leading to opposition from Muslim groups and a subsequent challenge in the Supreme Court. Unfazed by legal challenges, Muthalik maintains that Hindu groups will proceed with their plans to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at the Hubballi Idgah grounds.
In essence, the complexities of religious sentiments, property disputes, and legal interpretations are intertwined in the Idgah maidan conundrum. As this narrative unfolds, the future use of these shared spaces remains closely connected to the intricacies of cultural coexistence and legal resolution.