Mahisha Dasara celebrated despite BJP opposition

MYSURU: Rationalist and litterateur Prof K S Bhagawan and leaders of several Dalit organizations brushed aside opposition by BJP leaders, including Pratap Simha, Member of Parliament, to celebrate ‘Mahisha Dasara’ at Dr Ambedkar park in Ashokapuram, on Saturday.

With prohibitory orders in force in front of the statue of Mahishasura atop Chamundi Hills and in front of Town Hall in the city in the aftermath of protests by the Member of Parliament and other BJP leaders, the venue was changed to a park with the likes of Prof Bhagawan and representatives of Dalit organizations offering floral tributes to a portrait of Dr Ambedkar in the park.  

Later, Prof Bhagawan told the media he admired Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his recent statement that was born in the land of Buddha, but condemned local BJP leaders who opposed ‘Mahisha Dasara.’

Meanwhile, leaders of Dalit organizations charged that BJP leaders were anti-Dalit as they opposed ‘Mahisha Dasara’ and challenged the leaders to participate in a debate on ‘Mahisha Dasara’ and ‘Chamundi Dasara.’ Minister for Kannada and culture, Mr C T Ravi, however, ruled out a debate saying the idea was mooted by “fundamentalists and people with prejudice.”