Karnataka: Gangavathi Tehsildar Withdraws Order To Remove Lampposts With Hindu Symbols On Way To Anjanadri Hills After Backlash

In a significant development, the Koppal district administration official has withdrawn an earlier order to remove electric poles installed on the of roads of Gangavathi taluka near the Anjanadri hills, the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. 

The decision by Gangavathi tehsildar to reverse the earlier order follows a widespread public criticism of the move on social media.

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

The original order, issued on 28 August, called for the removal of the poles and suggested registering a case against the engineers of Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL).

However, Gangavathi tehsildar has now clarified that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Council, and since the issue was discussed and approved in a general meeting, no case be registered against the Executive Engineer of Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL), and no poles should be removed.

The controversy came in the backdrop of concerns raised by SDPI, the political wing of banned Islamist outfit PFI, over the installation of electric poles along the road, claiming that they resembled those found in Tirupati and Ayodhya and symbolised a single religion.

The SDPI reportedly argued that this could disrupt communal harmony in the city and submitted a petition to the Gangavathi Municipal Commissioner to have the poles removed.

In response to the petition, the Gangavathi Tehsildar initially ordered the removal of the poles and proposed legal action against KRIDL. However, following the public outcry, the order has now been rescinded.

The electric poles in question feature images of bows and arrows, which officials say are intended to guide devotees to the historic Anjanadri mountain, considered the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, Public TV reported.

These images, according to the local media reports, are meant to inspire religious devotion among visitors to Anjanadri and, according to officials, do not hurt anyone's sentiments.

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