Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)
Bengaluru, Feb 20: In a massive protest on Saturday February 19, leaders of Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (DSS) and progressive thinkers demanded the suspension of principal judge of Raichur district and sessions court Mallikarjuna Gowda Patil, who is accused of removing the portrait of Dr B R Ambedkar during Republic Day celebrations.
Thousands of protesters who assembled opposite city railway, under the leadership of Samvidhana Samrakshana Maha Okkuta, held ‘Vidhana Soudha Chalo’ and ‘High Court Chalo’ march chanting slogans.
Later the protesters gathered at the Freedom Park grounds. They demanded stringent legal action against Justice Mallikarjuna, and for order to be issued to display the photograph of Dr B R Ambedkar in all court buildings. In addition, they also demanded legal action against tahsildar of Humnabad.
Addressing the protesters, Jnana Prakash Swamiji of Mysuru Urilinga Math, said, “There is a big conspiracy behind insulting Dr B R Ambedkar and the Constitution of India. Any anti-constitutional act should be considered seriously and offenders should be taught fitting lesson."
M Krishnamurthy, state president of BSP, said, "It is condemnable that many who have won elections in the name of Ambedkar are serving as slaves of Manuvada. Many incidents have taken place in the past also in which Dr B R Ambedkar was insulted openly. If action is not taken against Justice Mallikarjuna Gowda, fierce protest will be held."
DSS leader Mavalli Shankar said, "People address Mallikarjuna Gowda as 'justice'. But he has a caste-based mindset. It is really insulting that in the land of great social reformer like Basavanna and poet like Kuvempu, caste-oriented minds like Mallikarjuna Gowda are sitting in positions of justice. Legal action should be taken against the justice. Transfer is not punishment. We demand that he should be punished. Though the government has sent several circulars, he has got the photograph of Ambedkar removed. Communities which are at the base of society should get representation in judiciary."
Thinker and actor Chethan said, "We support neither BJP nor Congress. We are alternative power. Now huge issue of Hijab and shawl is going on. But we wear blue shawl. Change is the alternative. This call is spreading to all corners of the state."
Action will be taken against judge, assures CM
Giving his opinion on the issue, chief minister Bommai said, “The issue of removal of photograph of Dr B R Ambedkar and subsequently insulting the architect of our Constitution has opened my eyes. Action will be initiated against this act.”
Addressed the meeting of protesters at Freedom Park, Bommai said, "Leaders of Dalit community have explained to me in detail about the incident of removal of photograph of Dr B R Ambedkar. I will discuss this with people concerned and write a letter soon.
"The insult that is meted out to Dr Ambedkar is condemnable. Under no circumstances should any act that insults the creator of our Constitution be tolerated. We are in the forefront of upholding the prestige and honour of Dr Ambedkar. We will definitely provide justice as per Constitution," he assured.
Huge traffic congestion occurred around K R Circle and Majestic due to the protest march. In the wake of the protest, 11 ACPs, 30 inspectors, 1030 women and men police personnel, 10 companies of KSRP, two water jets and two fire service engines were pressed into service.