Congress promises new Hanuman temples across Karnataka amid Bajrang Dal row

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, May 04, 2023: Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar on Thursday promised new Hanuman temples in the state if Congress is voted to power, days after the BJP accused the party of trying to "lock up Lord Hanuman" by promising a ban on Bajrang Dal if voted to power.

 

"We have a commitment to the development of Anjaneya (Lord Hanuman) temples across the state if the Congress party comes to power," DK Shivakumar was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

 

ಮೈಸೂರಿನ ಚಾಮುಂಡೇಶ್ವರಿ‌ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾ‌ನದಲ್ಲಿ ತಾಯಿಯ ದರ್ಶನ ಪಡೆದು ರಾಮಭಕ್ತ ಹನುಮನಿಗೆ ಪೂಜೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದೆ.

ಹನುಮನೆಂದರೆ ಶಕ್ತಿ,‌ ಹನುಮನೆಂದರೆ ಶಾಂತಿ,‌ ಹನುಮನೆಂದರೆ ಜಗವ ಕಾಯೋ ಕಾಂತಿ. pic.twitter.com/NTYLdVpLON

— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) May 4, 2023

"Our party will also prioritise the construction of new Hanuman temples in various parts of the state," the Congress leader said.

The Congress in its manifesto for the May 10 Assembly elections in Karnataka said it was committed to take firm and decisive action against individuals and organisations "spreading hatred amongst communities on grounds of caste and religion".

"We believe that the law and Constitution are sacrosanct and cannot be violated by individuals and organisations like Bajrang Dal, PFI or others promoting enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority communities. We will take decisive action as per law, including imposing a ban on such organisations," the manifesto read.

The poll promise sparked controversy with Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal activists staging protests in several parts of the state.

During a poll rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also came down heavily on the Congress, saying, "The Congress in its manifesto has decided to lock up Lord Hanuman. Initially, they locked up Prabhu Shri Ram (Lord Ram). And now they want to lock up people who say Jai Bajrang Bali."

Amid the row, DK Shivakumar also said the Congress, if voted to power, will establish a special board to oversee the development of Anjanadri Hill and ensure its preservation.

"We will organise specific programmes aimed at educating the youth about the principles and values embodied by Lord Hanuman," he added.

Karnataka votes on May 10 and results will be out on May 13.

Courtesy: India Today