Daijiworld Media Network – Chikkamagalur (MS)

Chikkamagaluru, Oct 28: "We hereby clarify to the government that we will the 'Datta Peeta' as 'Hindu Peeta', even by shedding our blood, if required," said a furious Pramod Mutalik, president of Sri Rama Sene.

Mutalik was speaking after inaugurating the Shobha Yatra on the last day of the Dattamala Campaign that is underway, organized by the Sri Rama Sene in the town. Devotees of Datta Peeta, who have arrived from various parts of the state assembled in large numbers in the town. The place is heavily guarded by the police to prevent any untoward incident.

Continuing his barrage against the delaying tactics of the political leaders, Mutalik said, "The controversy surrounding the Datta Peeta can be resolved peacefully. However, the politicians and the intellectuals do not want the issue to die down. Earlier, former prime minister Deve Gowda, who was the chief minister of Karnataka, had resolved the Idgah Maidan issue at Hubballi in a cordial manner. Now we have H D Kumaraswamy, who is the son of Devegowda as our chief minister. Kumaraswamy has to resolve this controversy in a similar manner like what his father did with the Idgah Maidan issue and give the Datta Peeta to Hindus."

"Bababudan Darga, which is near Nagenahalli in the vicinity of Datta Peeta should be given to Muslims and the present Shri Guru Dattatreya Peeta should be given to Hindus. The controversy can be peacefully resolved in this manner. However, Congress party and the intellectuals want to drag the issue. Till the interference of intellectuals is there on this issue, rules and regulations and many arrests will continue. Though all these are there our devotees have taken part in the fight without fear. Our protest and fight cannot be stopped for any reason. Till the Datta Peeta becomes Hindu Peeta, our fight will continue," added a fuming Pramod Mutalik.

Nearly 2500 police personnel are deputed to avoid any kind of disturbance during the Shobha Yatra. 27 checking posts are deployed at sensitive areas. SP Harish Pandey said that strict action will be taken on those who will go against the law. 30 special magistrates are deployed in sensitive areas as per the information given by DC M K Srirangaiah.