Dalits prevented from entering Lakshminarayana temple in Mysuru taluk , former mayor alleges

Mysuru, NT Bureau: Former mayor Purushottam on Monday demanded that the district administration allow Dalits to enter Lakshminarayana temple as they have been prevented from entering the shrine located at Kenchalagudu village in Mysuru taluk.

The village is located eight kilometers from the district headquarters. Speaking to reporters, the former mayor condemned the practice of untouchability in the village.

He said there are 150 families in the village including Scheduled Tribe Nayakas and the upper caste Ursu community and Dalits are prevented from entering the temple to offer puja.

Though a Dalit organization tried to resolve the issue amicably, the practice of untouchability continues.

He appealed to the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police to conduct a peace meeting immediately to resolve the issue and restore normalcy in the village before the jathra celebrations which will be held on January 16.