Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Mar 21: In the wake of controversy over the inclusion of deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim's name in the invitation of Puttur Lord Mahalingeshwara Temple's car festival to be held on March 30, the district unit of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Monday March 21 said that the move had hurt the sentiments of Hindus and warned that if the DC's name was not removed from the invitation within two days, a severe protest would be held.

Addressing a press meet here, VHP district working president Jagadish Shenava said, "First of all, printing the name of a non-Hindu in a temple invitation is a violation of the section 7 of the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1997. This has hurt the sentiments of Hindus. The officer (A B Ibrahim) who should protect the law and order in the district is himself terming the opposition to this violation as an act of intolerance.

"The Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1997 clearly says that non-Hindus cannot perform religious rituals in a Hindu temple, even if that person is the DC, ADC or an ordinary servant. Ironically, a non-Hindu is inviting Hindus for a Hindu temple programme. When we (VHP) go according to the law, it is termed as intolerance. This is violation of the law by the DC," he asserted.

"DC Ibrahim has done several things that have hurt the sentiments of Hindus. In some of the media it is reported that he would take voluntary retirement and join Congress," he claimed.

"His name was also included in the invitation of Kukke Subramanya Temple. That also was a violation of the law. A mistake can happen once, but it should not be allowed to repeat.

"If the DC is so tolerant, why did he not withdraw his name from invitation instead of allowing all this chaos?" Shenava questioned.

"VHP and Bajrang Dal strongly condemn the interference of non-Hindus in Hindu religious affairs. Within two days new invitation should be printed and distributed to the devotees, if not, we will hold a strong protest. If this is not opposed now, such interference of non-Hindus will continue in future in all temples," he said.

When asked if the VHP would accept if the DC were to conduct rituals in the Puttur temple, he said, "Out of our large-heartedness, we will accept it, but legally it is wrong."

Manohar, Punith, Nagesh and others were present.