Hanuman Flag Removed In Karnataka, Situation Tensed

A group of men erected a 108-foot flagpole and raised an orange flag...

In Karnataka's Mandya, a controversy over a Hanuman flag has led to political clashes, protests, and police intervention. The incident occurred last week when a group of men erected a 108-foot flagpole and raised a Hanuman flag.

Orders under Section 144 have been issued in the village because of the tense situation.

The village panchayat had granted permission to install the flagpole, but complaints were filed against it, prompting officials to request the removal of the Hanuman flag.

Villagers, however, stood strong in their decision, accusing a few individuals of attempting to politicize the matter.  A large police force was deployed, and members of the BJP, JD(S), and Bajrang Dal joined villagers in protesting against the removal.

Protests escalated on Saturday when villagers closed their shops in defiance. On Sunday, Gram Panchayat officials visited the village to remove the flag, leading to a gathering of villagers chanting slogans of 'Go Back' in protest against the officials.

The controversy took a political turn when banners of local Congress MLA Ravi Kumar were vandalized during the protests. In response, police presence was heightened in the region.

BJP leaders and Hindu activists strongly condemned the removal of the flag. The BJP announced plans to hold protests in all districts of Karnataka, with a specific protest scheduled at Mysuru Bank Circle in Bengaluru on Monda