Hubballi: One organisation can install idol at Idgah Maidan for 3 days

HUBBALLI: A five-member panel set up by the HDMC to decide on installing a Ganesha idol at Idgah Maidan on Monday recommended that the civic body allow any one organisation to install an idol at the ground.
The panel's president Santosh Chavan submitted his report to mayor Iresh Anchatageri.
After discussing the report with the police department, district administration and elected representatives, the HDMC decided to allow one organisation to install a Ganesh idol at the Idgah Maidan for three days.
Two Congress members who were part of the committee opposed the formation of the committee and stayed away from its proceedings.
Mayor Anchatageri said: "Six organisations have sought permission to install an idol and we will choose one of them on Tuesday. The other five organisations are requested to cooperate with the organisation which gets the permission."
"The committee studied a supreme court order and contacted people from all communities to prepare the report. As per the SC order, Muslims will be allowed to hold prayers at the ground twice a year and HDMC will also hoist the national flag during I-Day and Rupublic day. As the maidan will remain unused for the remaining days, we are planning to use it for various activities," he added.
He said the organisation which will get the permission will have to follow the norms and rules followed by other Sarvajanik Ganeshotsava mandals.
He pointed out that the committee has received 39 petitions from the general public, of which 11 were filed against the celebration.
On Congress opposition on the matter, he said it was the Congress president who had suggested the names of the two panel members. "But at the last minute, Congress opposed the formation of the committee," he said.
Union minister Prahlad Joshi welcomed HDMC's decision. "After taking consent from all communities and elected representatives, the committee has given its permission to allow celebration of Ganesh festival at Idgah. We have also instructed the ADGP and police department to make adequate security arrangements to ensure a peaceful celebration of Ganesh festival," he said.