Hindu outfits want to hold events at Eidgah Maidan

NT Correspondent
Bengaluru

Following the claims made by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) that the disputed Eidgah Maidan in Chamarajpet belonged to them, several Hindu right wing organisations have sought permission to conduct events on the grounds.

On Thursday, the Muslim leaders from Central Muslim Association (CMA) claimed to have submitted the documents to prove that the Eidgah Grounds belonged to the Wakf Board. However when contacted, the BBMP spokesperson said that the CMA is yet to provide all the documents after which they will be verified.

Citing a 1964 judgement of the Supreme Court, BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath said that the city survey later revealed that it belongs to the Corporation of the City of Bangalore. “However, it has been altered to indicate it belongs to the Idgah,” he said.

“There have been changes in some documents. One page from the Supreme Court order is missing. We don’t know why this has been made. After we get that, we will seek the government’s advice,” he added.

The BBMP on Monday had claimed that the ground was a “BBMP Playground”, which Muslims were allowed to use on two occasions in the year while the rest of the days it was up to the BBMP Joint Commissioner West, who would accord permissions sought from parties to use the grounds for their respective events. BBMP Special Commissioner Dr Harish Kumar had said that other events will be allowed to be conducted on all days, apart from the two days when the Muslim community will pray.
Following this, at least three organisations including Srirama Sene, Vishwa Sanatana Parishad and Vande Mataram Social Service organization made separate applications to the BBMP West Zone Office, seeking permission for celebrating Yoga Day on June 21, Independence Day and Azadi Ka Amruth Mahotsav on August 14 and 15.

“We celebrate Independence Day and Republic Day here every year. Join us instead of hoisting the flag separately,” said Abdul Razak Khan, general secretary of the Eidgah Maidan and Anjuman-A-Islamia. “On the right side of the playground has been a wall of Eidgah for decades.” He said the Muslim community would not oppose any social and religious programmes in this area.

According to the Karnataka Religious Buildings Protection Act 2021, it is the duty of the government to preserve the Eidgah wall. Whether in government or private space, it has to be saved. Hundreds of temples are in government land. “We are not going to do mass prayers or pray on the temple premises just because it is on government land,” he said.

Responding to pleas from the Hindu organisations, Girinath said, “The joint commissioner will take a decision on this. There will be discussion with everyone, including the police department,” he said.