Members of the Sri Ram Sene staged a protest here on Sunday condemning the Pejawar Mutt seer Sri Vishwesha Tirtha Swami hosting the Iftar party or Souharda Koota on the Sri Krishna Mutt premises in Udupi during the month of Ramzan.
The protest was staged in the twin cities following a call given by Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Mutalik who has been critical about the Pejawar Mutt seer holding Iftar inside the mutt premises in Udupi.
In Hubballi, the sene members staged the protest and shouted slogans condemning the seer’s move to host Iftar in a Hindu religious centre. They alleged that holding the Iftar inviting the Muslim community members inside the mutt premises has spoiled the religious sanctity of the Krishna Mutt, which is one of the most important Hindu religious centres of India, they added.
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In Dharwad, the sene members staged the protest at Swami Vivekananda Circle. The protesters, while condemning the seer’s move, said that they had high regard for the seer but would not concur with him hosting events such as Iftar. Such things affect the sentiments of the larger sections of devotees. Moreover, it was unfortunate that some of the BJP leaders too have supported Pejawar Mutt and this is just a political gimmick keeping in view the Assembly election. However, the Sri Ram Sene would not support any injustice to Hindus, they said. Meanwhile, members of the Janata Dal (United) staged a demonstration in Hubballi supporting the seer for hosting the Iftar on the mutt premises. The party leader, Srishailgouda Kamatar, the former MLC Savitri Gundi, and others, who led the demonstration, said that such programmes at a time when the country was witnessing communal violence would help promote harmony and brotherhood in society. Leaders of all religious institutions should emulate such moves.