BELAGAVI: A BJP MLA from Karnataka has given a call for the launch of an “Ayodhya-like movement” to ensure Anubhava Mantapa, a 12th century academy founded by social reformer Basavanna in Basavakalyan of Bidar district, is “re-established on the site it once stood”.
On a tour across north Karnataka districts to spread awareness on the Waqf land issue, Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal said Peer Pasha Bangla, a dargah of a Muslim saint, now stands on the site. Basavanna is revered by the Lingayat community in Karnataka and Yatnal urged seers of Lingayat mutts to support the fight.
“We will soon launch a movement and will not give up until Anubhava Mantapa is re-established at its original site,” Yatnal said Sunday before leaving for Delhi.
Meanwhile, Yatnal, who has drawn the ire of some party members for openly revolting against Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra, said he and members of his faction have been invited to Delhi to discuss the issue with the party’s top brass. He said MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi and former MP Pratap Simmha would be present at the meeting.
“We will meet BJP national president JP Nadda and chairman of JPC on Waqf (Amendment) Bill Jagdambika Pal and submit information on Waqf notices issued to farmers, temples, and various mutts,” Yatnal said.
“Our team is spreading awareness on the adversities of the existing Waqf law. We have completed our tour of Kalyan Karnataka and have now entered Kittur Karnataka,” he added.