Basavanna Statue's Fate Unclear as Basava Jayanti Approaches in Hubballi
The statue of the revered 12th-century social reformer Basavanna, which was removed from Basava Vana in Hubballi on January 30, 2023, to make way for flyover construction, continues to be housed at the Indira Glass House. With Basava Jayanti, the annual celebration of Basavanna's birth anniversary, scheduled for April 20, a heated debate has erupted among Lingayat organizations and community leaders over whether and where the statue should be reinstalled this year.
Conflicting Demands from Lingayat Groups
Various Lingayat organizations have presented divergent views on the statue's future. Some groups are urging the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) to install it at an alternative location, while others strongly oppose this idea, insisting it must return to its original site in Basava Vana. The lack of a clear decision has raised concerns, especially with only 20 days remaining until Basava Jayanti.
MV Gongadashetti, president of the Dharwad District Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha, highlighted the ongoing uncertainty. "There is still no clarity over the venue for Basava Jayanti on April 20," he told TOI. "During a meeting in 2023, it was decided that the statue should be reinstalled at its original place in Basava Vana. However, since the flyover construction is still ongoing, we need to decide on this year's venue in our upcoming meeting."
Community Appeals and Political Promises
Members of the Chintana Vedike have taken proactive steps by writing to the chief minister and district administration, urging them to install the Basavanna statue before the upcoming Basava Jayanti. They expressed concern that the statue is currently left unattended at Indira Glass House and suggested potential alternative sites such as Nehru Stadium or the HDMC garden.
In contrast, SV Patil of the Channabasava Sagar Samrakshana Horata Samiti in Unkal emphasized that the statue must be reinstalled at its original venue in Basava Vana. He recalled the assurances given by elected representatives during the statue's removal. "When we protested the overnight shifting on January 30, 2023, leaders like Pralhad Joshi, Jagadish Shettar, and Basavaraj Horatti promised to construct parking, a library, and a larger statue at the same place after the flyover's completion," Patil stated. "We were not ready to give up on this. We have also demanded the installation of an Ashoka sthambha at the venue, as it was earlier. This year, we will celebrate Basava Jayanti at Basava Vana with a portrait of Basavanna."
Municipal Response and Ongoing Construction
The flyover construction that necessitated the statue's removal is still in progress, complicating plans for its reinstallation. Mayor Jyothi Patil was unavailable for comment, leaving the HDMC's stance unclear. The situation underscores broader tensions between urban development projects and cultural heritage preservation in Hubballi.
As the community prepares for Basava Jayanti, the unresolved issue of the Basavanna statue serves as a focal point for discussions on honoring historical figures amidst modern infrastructure demands. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether a temporary or permanent solution can be reached to satisfy the diverse viewpoints within the Lingayat community and local authorities.
