Political Tensions Flare in Bidar Over Historic Temple Restoration
The ongoing political confrontation between Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders regarding the restoration of the historic Papanasha Temple in Bidar escalated dramatically on Saturday. The latest chapter in this contentious saga featured a heated exchange between minister Eshwar Khandre and former MP Bhagawanth Khuba, creating significant drama during the official laying of the foundation stone for the crucial restoration project.
Foundation Stone Ceremony Descends Into Chaos
BJP leaders staged vigorous protests at the event, vociferously demanding that minister Eshwar Khandre should not be permitted to initiate the restoration work. They insisted that worship activities should be allowed to continue uninterrupted at the sacred site. Despite facing substantial opposition and vocal objections from BJP representatives, minister Khandre proceeded with the ceremony as planned. In response to the escalating situation, local police authorities intervened and took several BJP leaders into temporary custody to maintain public order.
Historical Context and Previous Foundation Stone
This political confrontation has deeper roots dating back to March 7, 2024, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi originally laid the foundation stone for the comprehensive Rs 22.4-crore restoration project. This significant initiative falls under the Central Government's prestigious ‘Prasada' scheme, designed to preserve and restore important religious heritage sites across the nation. BJP leaders argued forcefully that since the Prime Minister had already performed the foundation stone ceremony, there was no legitimate need for another such event, viewing the Congress-led ceremony as politically motivated and redundant.
Road Blockade and Subsequent Detentions
Amid mounting political tensions and heated exchanges, BJP workers led by former Bidar MP Bhagawanth Khuba took their protest to the streets in a dramatic display of opposition. The protesters staged a sit-in demonstration directly on the road, effectively blocking the vital Bidar–Kalaburagi transportation route, causing significant disruption to traffic and normal civic life. Police authorities subsequently detained the protesting leaders to clear the blockade and restore normal traffic flow. The detained individuals were released later after the situation had been brought under control and the road blockade had been successfully dismantled.
This incident highlights the intense political rivalry between the Congress and BJP in the region, with both parties attempting to claim credit for the restoration of the historically significant Papanasha Temple. The temple, which holds considerable religious and cultural importance for local communities, has become an unexpected battleground for political one-upmanship and electoral positioning ahead of future elections.
