Political altercations, demonstrations, and police action have resulted from a controversy surrounding a Hanuman flag at Keragodu hamlet in Mandya, Karnataka. A 108-foot flagpole and a Hanuman flag were raised by a group of guys last week, which is when the event occurred. The tense situation in the community has led to the issuance of prohibition orders under Section 144.
The flagpole was installed with approval from the village panchayat, but after objections were made, officials asked that the Hanuman flag be taken down. The villagers, however, refused to back down from their choice and said that certain people were trying to turn the issue into a political one. A sizable police presence was present, and people protested against the removal with representatives of the BJP, JD(S), and Bajrang Dal.
When locals shut down their businesses in disobedience on Saturday, the protests got more intense. When Gram Panchayat officials went to the village yesterday to take down the flag, the residents gathered and began chanting "Go Back" in protest of the officials. When signs supporting local Congress MLA Ravi Kumar were defaced during the demonstrations, the dispute took a political turn. In response, the police presence in the area was increased in anticipation of more disturbances.
Hindu activists and BJP leaders vehemently denounced the flag's removal. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) declared that it would stage protests in every district of Karnataka. One such protest is set to take place today at Bengaluru's Mysuru Bank Circle. Police used lathi charges and changed the national flag atop the flagpole in place of the Hanuman banner in an attempt to put an end to the disturbance. According to official sources, the erection of the flag post was paid for by the people of Keragodu and twelve surrounding villages, with the active participation of BJP and JD(S) workers.
The police action was criticized by opposition parties, with BJP leader R Ashoka denouncing the government's "anti-Hindu stance." He questioned the Congress government's abrupt removal of the Hanuman flag, arguing that it was raised with the gram panchayat's agreement.
