Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Sep 5: The Forum of Progressive Math Heads launched a protest programme at Freedom Park here on Monday September 4. The Swamijis who have come under the banner of the forum, have been demanding for convening of a special legislature session for the specific purpose of holding discussions on, and passage of the Karnataka Prevention of Superstitious Practices Bill that is facing opposition from within the ruling party too.

Nidumamidi Veerabhadra Chennamalla Swami, who is the president of the forum, said that the forum has been fighting against anti-social rituals and practices since the last more than six years. "The government has not given credence to our protest programmes. The government should  understand that there is a limit to our patience and therefore it should not be tested. We are prepared for any  kind of protest to achieve our objective," he added.

He issued a warning to the government saying that the forum  would draw support of writers, progressive thinkers,  intellectuals and spiritual heads of religious institutions if the government does not stop dilly-dallying in the matter and launch stronger forms of protest.  He gave the government three days to take a firm decision on the demand.

Nedumamidi swamiji noted that the proposed bill has mention about banning of Made Snana, while staying away from touching wrong practices like Pankti Bheda and Yede Snana. He felt that  even astrology and Vaastu, which are used by people to misguide people and drain their money should also be brought under the ambit of consumer courts. He scoffed at rumours being floated that the protest being spearheaded by his forum is specifically against a particular religion, practices, and gods.

"We do not get bogged down by criticism against us or our endeavour. Chief minister, Siddaramaiah, we learn, is strongly in favour of bringing this legislation. But  a few of his own cabinet colleagues are creating bottlenecks," he explained.

The rally was attended among others by writer, Baraguru Ramachandrappa, freedom fighter, H S Doreswamy, and former minister, B T Lalitha C Nayak.