Temple demolition: BJP MLAs upset with Simha

Mysuru: Legislators in Mysuru district appear to be at variance with MP Pratap Simha over the proposed demolition of temples for development projects. Krishnaraja MLA SA Ramadas and Nanjangud MLA B Harshvardhan are upset with Simha over his stance on the issue. Harshvardhan, in fact, has charged the MP with creating a nuisance.
Simha, on the other hand, has justified his stance on the issue by stating that he was merely fighting for the cause of the Hindus.Recently, the Mahadevamma temple in Huchchagani village in Nanjangud assembly constituency was demolished following the issuance of an order by the Supreme Court. The demolition kicked up a storm, with leaders, cutting across political parties, condemning the action. Among those who opposed the demolition was former chief minister Siddaramaiah. Simha visited the site where the temple had stood and made a vow to have it reconstructed.
Nanjangud MLA Harshvardhan said, “He is creating a nuisance in my constituency. This is the second time he is stirring up trouble in Nanjangud. When a pharmaceutical company in Nanjangud turned into the epicentre for the Covid-19 cluster case, he had kicked up a storm.”
He pointed out that he had protected 13 of the 15 temples marked for demolition. “Most number of temples were demolished in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. Simha must question the demolition of temples everywhere. The demolition drive was carried out in accordance with the order of the Supreme Court. A similar drive was undertaken in Gujarat as well. I do not know if such a drive can be stopped,” Harshvardhan said.
The Nanjangud MLA accused Simha of indulging in ‘caste’ politics. “Huchchagani village boasts a considerable population of Vokkaligas. The temple was only 15 years old; had it been a heritage structure, why was it not protected by the Archaeological Survey of India,” Harshvardhan said.
Ramadas too expressed displeasure over Simha’s remarks. “Efforts are being made to protect the temples legally. My opinion is very different to Simha’s on this issue. The 101 Ganapathi temple in Agrahara will be protected. There is no threat to the temple,” Ramadas said.
Defending his stance on the issue, Simha said, “I am, first and foremost, a Hindu. I come from a family of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh volunteers. My father was an RSS activist.” He, however, refused to comment on the statements made by MLAs of his party. “The people are with me, which is enough,” Simha added.