Belagavi tense over statue installation of 18th century freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna

Bengaluru: Tempers ran high at Belagavi, a border district between Karnataka and Maharashtra after sections of Marathi speaking people saw red over the installation of a statue of the 18th century freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna.Rayanna is considered a hero by Kannadigas, and he hailed from the present day Belagavi district. Sections of Kannada activists wanted to put up his statue at Peeranwadi on the city outskirts. The police resorted to lathi charge and dispersed the crowd following a rift between pro-Kannada and pro-Marathi activists.Kannada organisations had proposed to install the statue at a junction in Peeranwadi, but failed in their attempts after pro-Marathi outfits in the area raised objections. Sections of Marathi activists argued the junction where the Kannada organisations wanted to install the statue is called Shivaji Chowk, and hence it was disrespectful to have another statue installed at the place.Since the issue reached the doorsteps of the district administration, district-in-charge minister Ramesh Jarkiholi assured Kannada activists of identifying an alternative site to put up the statue.According to the police, members of Kannada organisations installed the statue of Rayanna in the wee hours of Friday. Tension erupted after a group of pro-Marathi activists gathered near the spot and raised objections.Chief minister BS Yediyurappa said that he has directed the deputy commissioner to handle the matter amicably. “It is a sensitive issue and will be resolved soon,” the CM said, adding that there will not be any discrimination between Kannadigas and Marathas.