HUBBALLI: The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and some other Dalit organisations have approached the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation seeking permission to celebrate Tipu Jayanti at the Idgah Maidan in Hubballi, which was recently in the centre of a controversy over the Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations.
Some Dalit organisations and the AIMIM have submitted a memorandum to the corporation commissioner seeking permission to celebrate Tipu Jayanti at Idgah Maidan. Following this, the Sri Rama Sena has also come on to the scene and submitted a memorandum seeking permission to celebrate Kanakadasa Jayanti there.
Mayor Veeresh Anchatgeri told ANI that religious activities can be done at Idgah Maidan, but no big leaders will be allowed. Home Minister Araga Jnanendra told ANI, “It is a matter which is related to Hubbali-Dharwad Municipal Corporation and the mayor. The Chief Minister will look into it”.
Earlier, in August, the Karnataka High Court had allowed Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations at the Idgah Maidan. The order rejecting the petition filed by Anjuman-E-Islam said the ground is the property of the Hubballi-Dharawad Municipal Commission and they can allot the land to whoever they desire so.
Later, the case was taken to the Supreme Court against the Karnataka High Court order. However, the Idgah Maidan was let out for celebrating Ganesha Chaturthi. This was the first time that a Hindu festival was celebrated at the controversial grounds.
The Idgah Maidan has been caught up in a controversial dispute for decades until 2010, when the Supreme Court in its judgment, held that the ground is the exclusive property of the civic body.
In 1921, the ground was leased to the Islamic organization, Anjuman-E-Islam for 999 years to hold prayers. Post-Independence, many shops were opened on the premises. This was challenged in court and a long litigation process started which ended in 2010 after the Supreme Court judgment. The top court had granted permission for prayers twice a year and not to build any permanent structure on the ground. (ANI)