Untouchability prevails in Karnataka temples: G V Srirama Reddy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Karnataka CPM secretary G V Srirama Reddy has said that though the VHP-RSS-BJP talked about unity of Hindus, these organisations patronised the practice of untouchability in some of the temples in the state.

Mr Reddy told DC that the CPM and other progressive forces had carried out a sustained struggle against the practices of “Made snana” at Kukke Subramanya temple in Mangalore and “pankthi bheda” in Sri Krishna temple in Udupi.

The CPM leader said “made snana” was a practice in which devotees roll over plantain leaves containing food partaken by “upper caste” people.

“Hundreds of people from lower castes participate in the ritual in order to invoke “gods grace” and get their problems solved. It is an affront to humanity,” he added.

Under the practice of “pankthi bheda”, separate queues were arranged for Brahmins and non Brahmins. Similar discrimination is prevailing in dining halls as well, he said.

“We urge Pejawar Mutt seer Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji who guides the BJP and the RSS as the vice president of VHP  to suggest to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ban such rituals. We have also asked the chief minister Siddaramaiah to enact legislation to ban such practices,” said Mr Reddy who is also a former MLA.