Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (SP)

Karkala, Jun 29: The naxals have not confined their activities just to fighting against the atrocities against and exploitation of the downtrodden. They are also interested in the issues relating to spirits and demigods, if the pamphlets they had strewn around in Andar village in the recent past is any indication.

Out of the four types of pamphlets found at Andar, one was reserved for launching a scathing attack against the BJP district general secretary Tingala Vikramarjuna Hegde.  Hegde belongs to the lineage that ruled the Tingalemakki kingdom. As per customs, the leaders of Tingale family used to get enthroned in the presence of a demigod named Vaddamaraya. The seat of Vaddamaraya is located about 10 kms away from Tingale house at the foot of the Western Ghats.

About four years ago, after the 'Darshana Patri' on whom the spirit of Vaddamaraya was invoked, permitted Tingale household to shift the seat of Vaddamaraya to the 'Chavadi' of the family, Tingale Hegde family conducted several religious ceremonies there. Naxal problems and distance from the family abode were the reasons for the said shifting. The naxals appear to have become apprehensive that the Malekudiyas, who reside in the forest region of the area, might tilt towards Tingale family, as they strongly believe in the demigod Vaddamaraya.

The pamphlets allege that Tingale Vikramarjuna Hegde has been exploiting people in the name of the Daivas (demigod) and making money under the pretext of conducting religious ceremonies. It may be recalled that the naxals had also in the past, released pamphlets against Vikramarjuna Hegde, asking him to distribute excess land he holds, among the poor people.