Karnataka: Tension over entry of Dalits into temple, administration intervenes
It is alleged that the Kuruba community refused to perform puja in the presence of Dalits. The district administration had to intervene to resolve the dispute.
Published on: 07 Dec 2024, 2:33 pm
Karnataka: Controversy erupted over the entry of two Dalit youths during an ongoing puja at the Tirumala temple in Narasipur village of Chikkamagaluru district. Members of the Kuruba community, who traditionally worship the temple, allegedly stopped the puja, leading to a tense situation for three days.
It is alleged that the Kuruba community refused to perform puja in the presence of Dalits. The district administration had to intervene to resolve the dispute.
Mediation of officials
To bring the situation under control, the district administration held a meeting in the village on Thursday. Tehsildar Sumant and officials from the revenue, social welfare and police departments attended the meeting.
During the meeting, the officials clarified that the temples are open to all citizens and preventing anyone’s entry on the basis of caste falls under the category of untouchability , which is a punishable offence by law.
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agree on a solution
After discussions, the Kuruba community agreed to allow members of the Dalit community to enter the temple. People from the Dalit community will start entering the temple from Friday.
Narasipur village, which is located near Belavadi, has more than 250 Kuruba families and 13 Scheduled Caste (SC) families. The village has nine small temples like Tirumala, Beerappa and Lakshmidevi. The Tirumala temple, which was the centre of the controversy, is managed by priests appointed by the Mujharai department.
Background of social inequality
This incident highlights the deep-rooted problems of caste-based discrimination in rural India. Despite the rights granted by the Constitution, social prejudices continue to be seen in public and religious places. The prompt action of the administration shows how important it is to strictly enforce anti-discrimination laws to ensure equal rights to all citizens.
