In Keragodu village of Karnataka’s Mandya district, a seemingly simple act of raising a 108-foot Hanuman flag has ignited a political firestorm, resulting in protests, police intervention, and clashes between different political factions. The controversy, which started last week, has now reached a boiling point with the removal of the saffron flag and the substitution with the national tricolor, triggering widespread demonstrations and criticism from various quarters.
The village panchayat initially granted permission for the installation of the flagpole, but subsequent complaints led to demands for the removal of the Hanuman flag. Despite official requests, the villagers stood their ground, accusing a few individuals of attempting to politicize the issue. The situation escalated further when political leaders from the BJP, JD(S), and Bajrang Dal joined the protests against the removal, leading to the imposition of Section 144 in the village due to the tense atmosphere.
The controversy took a political turn when banners of local Congress MLA Ravi Kumar were vandalized during the protests, further fueling the unrest. The BJP leaders and Hindu activists strongly condemned the removal of the flag, announcing plans for protests across Karnataka. As the situation intensified, police resorted to lathi charges and replaced the Hanuman flag with the national flag on the flagpole, sparking even more outrage.
The political blame game unfolded, with BJP leaders criticizing the Congress-led government for what they termed an “anti-Hindu stance.” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed concern over the raising of a ‘bhagwa dwaja’ instead of the national flag, emphasizing the importance of adhering to democratic principles.
The controversy took a new dimension as the issue spread beyond Keragodu, leading to protests in Bengaluru and detention of BJP workers. The ‘padyatra’ from Keragodu village to the District Collector’s office, led by BJP and JD(S) workers, underscores the deep-seated tensions over the Hanuman flag removal.
The Chief Minister accused the BJP of deliberately violating rules and plotting against the state government. He labeled the incident as a pre-arranged act by the BJP and Sangh Parivar to create communal tensions in Mandya, suggesting a political motive behind the controversy.
As the political drama continues to unfold, the residents of Keragodu and neighboring villages remain steadfast in their demand for the rehoisting of the Hanuman flag. The situation remains tense, with political leaders actively participating in the protests, further escalating the confrontation between different political factions. The Hanuman flag controversy in Karnataka serves as a potent example of how seemingly innocuous events can quickly morph into larger political battles, with potential implications for law and order in the region.