In the midst of escalating tensions in Mandya following the removal of a Hanuman flag from a 108 feet tall flagpost, the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) of Keragodu village has been suspended. The order issued by Mandya Zila Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Sheikh Tanveer Asif clarified that permission had been granted solely for hoisting the Indian tricolour at Keragodu village.
The PDO, however, allowed the hoisting of the Hanuman flag and failed to take appropriate measures for its removal. The Panchayat Sub-divisional Officer, along with Tehsildar and police officers, eventually removed the flag on January 28, leading to a law and order situation for which the PDO was held accountable.
The removal of the Hanuman flag sparked protests, with the opposition BJP and its ally JD(S) staging a massive demonstration in Mandya. Security was heightened, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the BJP and JD(S) of attempting to instigate the public for political gains ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
A protest march from Keragodu to the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mandya saw participants carrying saffron flags and chanting "Jai Sri Ram." They also raised slogans against the Congress government. The march, which covered a distance of about 14 km, culminated in a mild lathi charge by the police to disperse the crowd.
The protestors, including BJP and JD(S) leaders, reached the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where a large police presence and barricades were deployed. Former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy addressed the gathering along with BJP leaders C T Ravi and Preetham Gowda and JD(S) leaders Suresh Gowda and K Annadani. The situation remains tense as political and public sentiments continue to be inflamed over the Hanuman flag controversy in Mandya.
(With Agency Inputs)
