Both the MPs faced protests over the demolition of illegally built temples in the state.
BJP MPs Tejashwi Surya and Pratap Simha on Thursday faced the ire of Hindu activists while inaugurating a private hospital in Karnataka’s Chikkamagaluru district, about 250 km from state capital Bengaluru.
The video of the incident shows the two MPs trying to pacify a crowd unhappy with the demolition of temples in the state.
Later, while talking to reporters, Mr. Surya accused the Congress of playing politics over the issue. “People know the Congress’s pseudo concern for temples and deities. People understand who celebrated Tipu Jayanti and who destroyed idols,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Simha admitted that people were upset with the demolition drive and promised that Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai would sort out the matter. “I understand the pain of the people of the state over the demolition, their anger is justified. I am sure the Chief Minister will look into it and resolve it keeping in mind the Supreme Court order,” he said.
On the directions of the Supreme Court, the state government is working to demolish illegally built temples. Last week, the Mahadevamma temple in Huchchagani village of Nanjangud taluk was demolished following a directive from the state government based on a Supreme Court order.
The demolition has turned into a major political issue, with several MLAs from the opposition Congress and the ruling BJP expressing anger over the demolition.
The Chief Minister has now directed the district administration not to take any hasty steps in demolishing the illegally built temples. The Supreme Court order, Mr Bommai said, will be thoroughly studied and discussed at a cabinet meeting and a specific order passed in the next two days.
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