SDPI opposes Hindu Rashtra Jagruti Sabha in Bantwal, seeks police action

Mangaluru, : The proposed Hindu Rashtra Jagruti Sabha scheduled to be held on February 22 at Arala Garuda Mahakali Temple in Bantwal of Dakshina Kannada district has sparked controversy, with the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) registering strong opposition and lodging a complaint with the police.

Leaders of SDPI, including S.H. Shahul, Kabir Akkarangadi, Akbar Ali Ponnodi, Imran Bantwal and Ubaid, have submitted a formal complaint at the Bantwal Rural Police Station demanding that permission for the event be denied and action be initiated against the organisers.

The Hindu Rashtra Jagruti Sabha is reportedly being organised by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti. In their complaint, SDPI leaders have alleged that the programme promotes the idea of establishing a “Hindu Rashtra,” which they termed as unconstitutional and potentially divisive. The complainants have urged the police to refuse permission for the event, stating that it could create communal tension and disturb public harmony. They have also sought registration of a sedition case against the organisers, alleging that the event calls for activities contrary to the constitutional framework of the country.

Police officials confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that the matter is under examination. Authorities are expected to assess law and order considerations before taking a decision regarding permission for the event.

The development comes close on the heels of another controversy in Dakshina Kannada district. Recently, a planned ‘Daff’ cultural performance scheduled to be held in front of the Chennakeshava Temple in Sullia taluk was cancelled following strong opposition from Hindu organisations.

The event was part of the “KVG Sullia Habba” programme organised by the KVG Sullia Habba Samaja Sangha. As part of the celebrations, the Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy, Mangaluru, had planned to stage a Daff performance as a cultural programme. However, following objections and pressure from certain Hindu groups, the organisers withdrew the performance from the event schedule.

With back-to-back disputes over religious and cultural events in the region, tensions appear to be simmering in parts of Dakshina Kannada. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that law and order is maintained and communal harmony is not disturbed.