Row over special passes to enter Hasanamba Temple in Hassan

Alleging irregularities in the distribution of passes for free darshan during the Hasanamba festival in Hassan, former Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Revanna has warned that hundreds of party workers would forcefully enter the temple if the issue was not addressed by Tuesday.

Addressing a press conference in Hassan on Sunday, Mr. Revanna alleged that thousands of free passes had been printed and distributed among members of the ruling Congress. He demanded that the district administration make public the details of passes distributed among elected representatives in the district.

Mr. Revanna said an official had come to him to hand over 500 passes, but he refused to accept them. “If the passes are not distributed properly among the elected representatives of the district by Tuesday, I will send 5,000 party workers to barge into the temple,” he said.

He also complained that the district administration had not invited him to the festival.

Excise Minister K.M. Shivalinge Gowda, who is also the Minister in charge of the district, refuted the allegation. “Every legislator has received 500 passes, and Hassan MLA H.P. Swaroop has received 1,500 as the temple is located in his constituency. The Hassan MP has received 1,000. We have streamlined the distribution to avoid the chaos and confusion that arose a couple of years ago over additional passes,” he said.

The Hasanamba festival that began on October 29, will conclude on November 11. The temple is opened for devotees only during this festival, and hence it attracts huge crowd.