Kuruba community leaders seek restoration of Siddaramaiah statue in Kalaburagi

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The Kuruba community leaders have urged authorities to restore the statue of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, which was installed and allegedly removed in the early hours of September 17 in the city, and threatened to launch an agitation if it is not reinstalled by September 23.

Addressing a press conference at Hosapete in Vijayanagara district on Monday, leader Siddanagouda and K.M. Halappa said the removal of Mr. Siddaramaiah’s statue had hurt the sentiments of the community.

 Mr. Siddaramaiah was among Karnataka’s prominent political leaders and had served as Chief Minister for a considerable period.

Mr. Siddanagouda credited the former Chief Minister for his contribution to the State’s development and the welfare of AHINDA (minorities, backward classes and Dalits) communities.

The statue was installed in Kalaburagi during Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s visit to the city on the night of September 16 and was removed in the early hours of September 17, according to the leaders.

“Preventing the installation of Mr. Siddaramaiah’s statue is not appropriate. We are certain that the statue will be installed again here after obtaining the necessary permission,” Mr. Siddanagouda said.

Questioning the circumstances surrounding the removal, Mr. Siddanagouda expressed that Mr. Siddaramaiah had never sought the installation of a statue and that it had been put up by his admirers and followers as a mark of respect.

Mr. Halappa said the Kuruba community would pursue the matter through democratic means and urged the authorities to resolve the issue at the earliest.

The community leaders also announced that the veteran leader’s statue would be installed in Hosapete and other districts to mark their respect for his contribution to the State.

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