MANDYA, 30 JAN

In the midst of a row over the removal of a Hanuman flag, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said "descendants" of Mahatma Gandhi's killer Nathuram Godse are disturbing peace in the State.

As Mandya witnessed a massive demonstration by BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) to protest the removal of the saffron flag flying from the 108 feet flagstaff at Keragodu village in Mandya district on Monday, Siddaramaiah said the agitation by the Opposition was aimed at gaining political mileage. "There are people amongst us who worship Godse though they speak about Mahatma Gandhi as well," he told reporters after paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary. When asked about the tension in Mandya, Siddaramaiah said attempts are being made to disturb peace. "Those disturbing peace are the descendants of Godse. People should live with love and trust for peace in the society. No one should try to inflame communal passions," Chief Minister said.

Panchayat Development Officer suspended in Mandya

Amid simmering tension in Mandya over the removal of Hanuman flag the Keragodu village Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) has been suspended.

The order issued by Mandya Zila Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Sheikh Tanveer Asif on Monday said the permission was granted only to hoist the Indian tricolour at Keragodu village.

However, the PDO not only gave an opportunity to the people to hoist the Hanuman flag, but also did not take steps to remove it, the order said. It was only on 28 January, that the Panchayat Sub-divisional Officer along with Tehsildar and police officers removed the flag, which created a law and order problem for which the PDO was held accountable.

As Opposition BJP and its ally JD(S) staged a massive protest in Mandya against the removal of the Hanuman flag and its restoration, security was beefed up on Monday.

Police on Sunday had resorted to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd at Keragodu village, and subsequently hoisted the national flag replacing Hanuman flag in the presence of officials of
the administration.