In Mandya, Karnataka, a dispute arose over the removal of a Hanuman dhwaj (flag). The incident occurred in Keragodu village, sparking tensions among the local community. In response to the removal of a Lord Hanuman flag, tensions flared within the local Hindu community. Faced with this dispute, the people of Mandya collectively took action by flying the Hanuman Dhwaj into every home across the region.

On January 18, authorities cited a permission letter issued by the Keregodu Gram Panchayat, which stipulated that only the national flag could be hoisted. The removal of the saffron flag led to heightened security measures in the district, including the deployment of additional police personnel and the imposition of Section 144 to prevent potential religious clashes. Following the removal of the Hanuman flag, protests erupted in Mandya and Bengaluru, with the BJP and Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) condemning the actions of the state government. Both parties, allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), rallied against what they perceived as government interference in religious affairs.

In response to the controversy, questions have been raised about the rights of Hindu communities in Karnataka and allegations of bias by the Congress government. Based on Opindia reports, the incident has reignited debates about religious freedom and political representation in the state, with some drawing parallels between the government’s actions and historical instances of religious matters.

How Hindus in Mandya reacted

Following the removal of the flag, Hindus came out on to the streets to protest. This video that was shared on social media platform X shows a woman questioning the Congress government’s action. She says, “We will never let them lower this flag and will lay down our lives for it. We want our God. Even if the MLA comes, we will demand justice from him. We are not asking them for their fathers’ and mothers’ wealth. Tomorrow, they will ask us to stop wearing sindoor, bangles, and stop following tradition. Does the law have provision for this?”

When asked by the reporter about why they were opposing and who was opposing this, the lady said, “Whoever is opposing this, we are blaming them. We will never yield to this. We want our God. We are not demanding their fathers’ and mothers’ money.”

Subsequently, a heartening development occured in Mandya. Hindu households in the village have begun proudly exhibiting the Bhagwa Hanuman Flag at their residences.

Is being a Hindu in Karnataka a crime, or is the Congress becoming akin to the old Muslim League? Hindus in Mandya have started questioning the government’s motives and assert their rights to religious expression. May this be a start to the Hindu resistance across the country against the anti-Hindu forces.