BJP MLAs and MLCs have expressed dissatisfaction against their own government over the ban on participation of Muslim traders in Hindu temple festivals in some parts of Karnataka. Calling it wrong, undemocratic and madness, he said that all this is happening at the behest of pro-Hindu groups.
Significantly, the state has recently barred Muslim traders of some temples in Udupi and Shivamogga from participating in the festivals following the demand of some pro-Hindu groups like VHP, Hindu Jagran Vaidik, Bajrang Dal and Shri Ram Sena. Such demands have now started rising from other parts of the state as well. At the same time, the BJP government of the state says that the ban on Muslim traders in temples was implemented in 2002 during the Congress government. The names of MLC AH Vishwanath and MLA Anil Banke are among those who raised their voice against their government.