Hassan: JDS activists and leaders in Hassan gathered for a protest outside the Hasanamba temple, alleging that the District Commissioner (DC) C. Satyabhama displayed a dictatorial attitude and showed disrespect towards local MLAs during the Hasanamba and Siddeshwar Jatra celebrations.
During the demonstration, MLA Swaroop Prakash voiced his discontent, stating, “District officials have shown a lack of decorum and respect during the Jatra Mahotsav, which I will need to explain to my constituents.” The DC’s behavior had left JDS workers and municipal councilors frustrated, prompting the protest.
Swaroop Prakash highlighted multiple instances where he had not been included in various events. “I was not invited to the temple installation or the inauguration of activities such as heli-tourism and para-sailing. Furthermore, the pricing of heli-tourism at Rs 4,300 per person during drought-like conditions raised concerns. When I questioned this high rate, the DC provided a hasty response,” he expressed. The MLA also raised questions about the appropriateness of the DC performing Homa Havana Pooja with her husband and inviting relatives for a special program at the temple, intensifying his dissatisfaction.
The protest provided Swaroop Prakash and local JDS leaders with an opportunity to express their disapproval directly to the DC, who was present during the demonstration. Swaroop criticized Satyabhama, stating, “It is regrettable that you have arranged a Pooja program with your family while being in the office and listening to the problems faced by people during a drought.” Referring to the events and installations, Swaroop asked, “Why was I not invited to the temple program? As a local MLA, I am expected to represent the interests of my constituents, and this exclusion is unacceptable.”
In response to these allegations, DC C. Satyabhama claimed, “The Religious Endowment Department followed the instructions provided by the authorities.” However, Swaroop disagreed with this explanation and pointed out that the Kalasa installation should be performed ritually. He mentioned that during his father’s tenure as MLA, Archaks were brought from Sringeri for such rituals. He also presented an album of pictures from the Kalasa Pratishpana that took place during his father Prakash’s tenure.
The exchange between Swaroop, JDS leaders, and the DC escalated during the protest. JDS workers expressed their outrage with slogans against the DC. Video clips of the Homa-Havan performed in the temple for the Kalasa installation began circulating on social media, further fueling the ire of MLA Swaroop Prakash and his supporters.
