Daijiworld Media Network - Ramanagara (SP)
Ramanagara, Jan 13: Under an initiative led by former minister D K Shivakumar, a 114-feet statue of Jesus Christ, touted to be the tallest in the world, was planned to be built over Kapala Betta in the district and works had started. This issue acquired widespread attention and there were vociferous criticism of Shivakumar, who had laid the foundation stone for the project at Kapala Betta in Kanakapura taluk in the district. Because of strong opposition, the work was suspended. In the meanwhile, a programme titled 'Kanakapura Chalo' is being held to register people's opposition to the project on Monday January 13.
The workers engaged for sculpting the statue at Kapala Betta have left the spot. The area is now deserted and guarded by police personnel. Dignitaries who will take part in today's protest programme include Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat and former minister and BJP leader C P Yogeshwar.
Kalladka Bhat (left) and C P Yogeshwar
A ten-acre plot was sanctioned to Kapala Betta Development Committee. The plan to build a statue there was criticized by many as they felt it is an initiative pertaining to a particular religion. Shivakumar, who laid foundation stone for the project during the Christmas last month had faced ire of the people and ruling party leaders alike.
About 10,000 activists from various parts of the state including Bengaluru, Ramannagara, Mandya, Mysuru, Tumakuru and other places are expected to congregate for the protest today. In view of planned protest, police security at the Kapala Betta has been beefed up. As huge protest is planned in Kanakapura town, tight security has been enforced and the police are checking vehicles. Over a thousand police have been deployed and the police have barred people from going to Kapala Betta today.
District superintendent of police Anoop Shetty, said that permission to hold protest was sought and time was granted between 11 am to 1 pm on Monday to hold the protest. He said that there is no scope for creating disturbances during the protest, and those who violate law will be acted against strictly. He said that a superintendent of police, an assistant superintendent of police, two deputy superintendents of police, ten circle police inspectors and 30 sub-inspectors have been deployed on security duty.