Daijiworld Media Network—Bangalore (RD)

Bangalore, Jan 13: The CPI (M) has given a statewide call for a protest on Thursday January 26 against the discrimination practiced in dining arrangements in temples across the state and especially at Sri Krishna Mutt, Udupi.

The CPI (M) has alleged that despite India being democratic, the practice of having separate seating arrangements for elite Brahmins, general Brahmins, upper caste Hindus and Dalits in 250 temples across the state exists still. In Sri Krishna Mutt, the authorities practice separate dining arrangements for Madhwa Brahmins, non-Madhwa Brahmins, government officials / ministers / VIPs and general devotees. 

The CPI (M) claimed that the age-old practice of lower caste people rolling over leftover food on plantain leaves, an illogical custom, came into existence, mainly due to the discrimination in the dining facility at various temples.

They party alleged that Swami Vishveshateerta of Pejavar Mutt, who is a staunch follower of Hinduism and a leader of the VHP, despite embarking on walkathons in Dalit colonies and professing equality among different castes does not follow his teachings at his worship centre.  The BJP-led state administration has been supporting the practice of caste system, by attempting to introduce the ‘Bhagavada Gita’ in the school curriculum.

Accordingly, a mega protest will be held outside the compound of Sri Krishna Mutt on Thursday January 26, and the CPI (M) urged progressive organizations, individuals, intellectuals, and progressive religious heads of different Mutts to partake in the protest.