K'taka: Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation permits installation of Ganesha idol at Idgah Maidan

Hubballi (Karnataka) [India], September 16 : In the midst of the ongoing debate and controversy surrounding the installation of a Lord Ganesha idol at Idgah Maidan, Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation on Friday has given permission Rani Channamma Maidan Gajanan Utsav Mahamandali, to install a Ganesha idol at Idgah Maidan.
The permission was given in compliance with the order of the Karnataka High Court. Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ishwar Ullagaddi said that the permission was given as per the directions of the High Court.
Conversely, more than 20 organizations have urged the civic body to withhold permission for any celebrations at this location.
"As per the directions of the HC, we have given the permission to celebrate the Ganesha festival in Idgah Maidan for three days as per our resolution," said Commissioner Ishwar Ullagaddi.
Ullagaddi also handed over permission letter to Sanjeev Badaskar, president, Rani Channamma Maidan Gajanan Utsav Mahamandali.
Karnataka High Court on Friday rejected Muslim body Anjuman-e-Islam's petition seeking a stay on permission granted by the Dharwad Municipal Commissioner to certain Hindu outfits for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at the Idgah maidan in Hubbali-Dharwad.
Anjuman-e-Islam had moved court after Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) passed a resolution allowing Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at the ground.
The HDMC resolution permits the installation of the Ganesh idol at the maidan. However, the permission has not been granted by the Municipal Commissioner, who took charge recently.
Notably, last year, the Karnataka High Court had allowed Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations to go ahead at the Idgah ground in Hubbali.