Karnataka: Koppal District Administration 'Orders' Removal Of Lampposts With Hindu Symbols On Way To Anjanadari Hills; Stirs Controversy

A controversy erupted in the Karnataka's Koppal district over the installation of lamp posts adorned with Hindu religious symbols.

The Koppal district administration on Wednesday (28 August) reportedly ordered removal of decorative electric lamps installed on the streets of Gangavathi taluka near the Anjanadri hill, which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.

These lamps depicted the ‘Gada’ and ‘Dhanush’ in ornamental forms to symbolise the weapons of Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman. They also had Lord Venkateswara's symbol.

According to local reports, a police case has been sought against the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Corporation (KRIDL) for allegedly displaying “Hindu religious symbols” on public lamps.

The action is being taken in the backdrop of a recent complaint by the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), which is the political wing of the banned Islamist terrorist organization Popular Front of India (PFI).

The SDPI had raised objections over the lamps and stated that these could potentially incite communal tensions.

According to the district administration, the poles, which were installed for beautification purposes at Rana Pratap Circle and Julia Nagar in the Gangavathi area, could be potential threats to religious harmony in the city.

“Since there are possibilities of disturbing public peace in the city, the poles should be immediately cleared. File a case against the KIRDL engineers for carrying out this work and take appropriate action,” the official notification read in Kannada.

Anjanadri Hills in Gangavathi (Koppal district) is revered as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.

According to local reports from Public TV, the electric poles adorned with symbols of arrows and the ‘Gada’ were installed to inspire religious devotion among those journeying to Anjanadri Hills.

The report added that the images installed on the electric poles are intended to guide the way to the historic Anjanadri hill.

The decision has reportedly ignited strong reactions from Hindu groups, who are voicing their displeasure over what they see as an unnecessary and provocative measure. They argue that the lamp posts were a symbol of cultural pride and that their removal undermines the religious and historical significance of the area.

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