Even as BJP leaders are talking about going ahead with celebration of Ganesha festivities at Idgah Maidan in Hubballi, members of various organisations of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have expressed opposition to any such move and urged the Municipal Corporation not to give permission for the event at the venue.
Addressing a press conference, along with leaders of various organisations and HDMC council member Chetan Hirekerur, president of Samata Sena Gurunath Ullikashi questioned the purpose of seeking permission to celebrate the festival at the Idgah Maidan and urged the Municipal Corporation not to allow BJP leaders to communalise the otherwise harmonious celebration of the festival in the twin cities of Hubballi Dharwad.
Mr. Ullikashi said that one should remember that public celebration of the festival is not a Sanatan tradition and that it was started during the freedom movement to mobilise and unite the citizens of the country for the fight against the British.
