Shivamogga (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said he will visit Ayodhya after January 22, whenever he gets time to pay his obeisance to Lord Ram, but added that Congress leaders and workers would offer special pujas in Ram temples across the State on that day.
"I have not received an invitation for the inauguration of Rama temple (on January 22). We are not running behind them (BJP) to pay obeisance to Sri Rama. We too worship Rama but they (BJP) are politicising the Rama temple issue. We oppose their politics and not Sri Ramachandra," he told reporters in this district headquarters town.
The Chief Minister, who arrived here to launch the Congress government's fifth guarantee Yuva Nidhi', said his party leaders and workers will perform special prayers in Ram temples across the State on January 22.
"I will see. After January 22, whenever I get some time I will visit Ayodhya to pray to Sri Rama. We are not against Rama. We only oppose BJP's politics," Siddaramaiah said.
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Shivamogga: Residents of Sulebailu in Urugadur, on the outskirts of Shivamogga city, staged a candlelight protest on Wednesday night condemning the murder of student Sanket, which occurred three days ago.
Villagers cutting across caste and religious lines gathered on the streets holding placards with Sanket’s photograph and lit candles as a mark of tribute. They raised slogans condemning the killing and appealed for peace in the area.
Locals alleged that the root cause of Sanket's murder was rampant drug trafficking and illegal liquor shops in the area. The villagers demanded that such anti-social elements preying on innocent youth be stopped.
During the protest, locals again alleged that rampant drug trafficking and illegal liquor sales in the locality were among the reasons behind the incident. They demanded strict action against those involved and called upon authorities to curb the illegal sale of ganja and alcohol, which they claimed was misleading youth and school students in the region.
The protesters later met Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kariappa and submitted a memorandum urging immediate measures to control illegal activities.
Sanket (16), an SSLC student of Government High School at Uragadur, was allegedly assaulted outside his school by a group of boys when he intervened in an argument over their cricket match. He was rushed to a hospital but declared dead. Seven minors have reportedly been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
