Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jan 4: “Former minister and MLA D K Shivakumar did not initiate the project of erecting the statue of Jesus Christ at Kanakapura,” said MLC Ivan D’Souza.

Addressing media here on Saturday, January 4, MLC Ivan D’Souza said, "The erecting of 114 feet tall Jesus Christ statue at Kapala Betta in Kanakapura has made way for controversy which has now become a talking point in political and social circles of the state. Several allegations have been made by BJP against Shivakumar saying that it was done for political benefit, vote bank etc. Several BJP leaders passed statement against Shivakumar.

"Some even said it was controversial land. Further, a minister also alleged that the statue was bring brought up to appease Sonia Gandhi and a strategy from the Congress to secure votes. BJP leaders are unaware about the reason behind the erecting of Jesus’ statue. There is record that Christian community exists in this region since 1662, and some claim it to be Kapali Betta. But the truth is, it is Kapala Betta. It is popularly known as Yesu Betta. Offerings are made by the people on Fridays on fulfilment of their prayers to Jesus. ‘Way of the Cross’ is conducted on every Good Friday from the bottom of the hill to the top across 14 stations by all devotees.

"In the year 2016, Harobele Kapala Betta Development Trust was formed. Through the trust, an application was sent to the government to provide land for religious purpose through MLA D K Shivakumar and MP B K Suresh, which was discussed in the Cabinet and the government approved to provide land.

“There is no politics in erecting the statue of Jesus Christ. The initiative was taken through the trust and D K Shivakumar is only a helping hand as the MLA of the constituency under which Kapala Betta falls. We will take a delegation to meet chief minister B S Yediyurappa and the governor to discuss and settle the matter. We will also visit the Kapala Betta for a reality check,” he said.

Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh president Rolphy D’Costa, corporators Naveen D’Souza and Lancelot Pinto, Sushil Noronha, A C Vinayaraj and others were present.