Bangalore: CM Orders Probe into St Mary's Island Rave Party
From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Feb 7: Smarting under the widespread media and public criticism for allowing the 'island festival' to be held at the picturesque St Mary’s Island, off the temple city of Udupi, the Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda announced a comprehensive probe into the festival widely dubbed as the 'rave party' that was organized by the Udupi district administration.
The Chief Minister’s announcement came in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
The Opposition Congress members, led by Opposition leader Siddaramaih, alleged that the district administration had blatantly violated rules and allowed use of drugs, consumption of alcohol, and other obscenities by foreigners.
Gowda, who had earlier defended the festival to promote coastal tourism, came under criticism from Congress members told the House that the Regional Commissioner would conduct an inquiry into alleged misuse of festival by foreigners and flouting of rules.
The Chief Minister initially defended the festival on the grounds that there had been no violation of any rules.
Nearly 900 foreigners and an equal number of locals participated in the festival held from February 3 to 5.
The Udupi district administration and the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), in association with 3W Concepts, had organised the festival - Spring Zouk - on St Mary’s Island, six kms from Udupi. The event has embarrassed the ruling BJP.
The Congress members charged that ''liquor was flowing like water and the participants sported in an obscene and nude dance in the rave party.”
Gowda said action would be taken against authorities concerned after obtaining the report from the Regional Commissioner.
The government had not sought the report from the district administration and police since they organised the party, he said.
The festival was organised to promote coastal tourism and generate job opportunities in the costal districts on the lines of Goa.
Several stalls showcasing coastal food were installed and some local dances, including dollu kunitha, were staged during the festival.
Two international bands also performed shows, the Chief Minister said.
The Government would not allow any party or programe that would go against Indian culture in the State and hurt sentiments of the people, Gowda said.
Earlier, Congress members from the coastal region U T Khader and Gopal Bhandari raised the issue during the zero hour and alleged that organisers allowed free flow of liquor and participants appeared in nude and obscene dresses
Banned substances such as Ganja and other drugs were consumed by foreigners during the festival. Both members demanded the probe and sought the report into the incident.
Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah said the government should not allow free flow of liquor, ganza, drugs and obscenity in the name of promoting tourism or seek to defend such acts as these kind of festivals were against the State’s culture.
“Is this culture of India, our land?,” he asked.
''Right wing activists beat up girls for entering into a pub in Mangalore under the garb of protecting culture and moral values. Where are they now?,“ Khader said.
In the name of promoting tourism, obscenities had been promoted at the festival. The Government should take action against the officials concerned for allowing such a festival, Bhandari said.