KOPPAL: A fresh controversy has erupted in Gangavathi over the presence of Hindu religious symbols on newly installed lampposts. The lampposts, which feature symbols like the Gadha, bow and arrow, and Lord Vishnu's Tilak, were set up along the stretch from Julainagar Circle to Rana Pratap Singh Circle. These symbols have sparked a dispute that led to an initial order for their removal, only to be withdrawn later after public backlash.
Anjanadri, the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, is located in Gangavathi, Koppal district. The lampposts in Gangavathi were installed in a style reminiscent of those seen in Tirupati.
The issue began on August 28, when the Gangavathi Tahsildar, following a verbal directive from the Koppal Deputy Commissioner, ordered the removal of the lampposts installed by the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KIRDAL). The directive cited concerns that the poles could potentially disturb communal harmony.
The Tahsildar's letter called for the immediate removal of the poles and recommended legal action against the officials responsible for the installation. According to sources, the decision to remove the lampposts came after strong opposition from the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), which criticized the presence of religious symbols in a public space.
However, the removal order quickly met with resistance from Hindu organizations and BJP leaders including local MLA G Janardhan Reddy, who strongly condemned the move. In response to the strong opposition, the Tahsildar issued a new order, withdrawing the earlier directive.
"Since the matter falls under the jurisdiction of Gangavathi Municipality, discussions regarding the issue have already taken place in the municipality. Future actions will be based on the decisions taken by the municipality. Therefore, the previous order is hereby withdrawn, and the matter is considered closed at this stage," the Tahsildar stated in the letter stated on Thursday.
