Curbs on Muslim traders at Hindu festivals rock Assembly

Bengaluru: In an attempt to put the Opposition Congress on the backfoot, the BJP government in Karnataka on Wednesday sought to distance itself from the issue regarding denial of permission for Muslim traders and vendors to carry out business during Hindu festivals and annual temple fairs in parts of the state, citing rules.

Clarifying that the rule does not apply to street vendors outside the temple premises and action will be taken if they are facing any obstruction, the government said it will look into the rules before taking any further step.

This was in response to questions raised by opposition members in the Assembly following reports that banners were placed during the annual Kaup Marigudi festival in Udupi stating that Muslim vendors should not be allowed entry. Similar banners were also said to have been displayed at the Padubidri temple festival, and also at a couple of temples in Dakshina Kannada district.

“While framing rules to Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments act in 2002, Rule 12 states that no property including land, building or site situated near the institution shall be leased to non-Hindus. Citing these rules, posters and banners have been put up,” Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister JC Madhuswamy said.

“If things are happening within the premises, they will have to follow the rules. Our (BJP) government did not formulate these rules. The rules were formulated by the Congress government in 2002 and now you are trying to put blame on us,” he said.

Stating that the rules are wrong whoever may have made it, Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah said when there is free trade, such things cannot be allowed. “How can anyone ask street vendors not to trade for religious reasons?” he questioned.

Intervening, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said areas near religious places during temple fairs are leased out and those who take on lease will sublease to traders. “These decisions are by those who have taken lease...we will look into it,” he said. — PTI