Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai has stated that he has no personal interests regarding the demolition of a private building in Puttur. He clarified that the old building was demolished by devotees solely to facilitate the festival rituals of Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple and for the convenience of devotees.
Appeal Against Smear Campaigns
The MLA appealed to the public to refrain from engaging in smear campaigns. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Rai emphasized that the festival was celebrated vibrantly with all rituals, with thousands of devotees participating. He said, 'We have made all facilities for the convenience of the devotees and for the smooth conduct of the festival. However, an allegation related to the demolition of an old building is being levelled against us. We did not oppose demolition since the space constraints affected the temple festival rituals.'
Safety Concerns
Highlighting the importance of devotee safety, the MLA warned that people would blame the MLA, district administration, police, and the temple committee if a stampede occurred due to space constraints during the festival. 'We have plans to develop the temple by providing all necessary infrastructure and thereby attracting a large number of devotees,' he added.
Death Threats Received
Rai alleged that he received death threats from miscreants posing as officials from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the Income Tax (IT) Department in connection with the demolition. 'I first received the threats on WhatsApp and later got calls in Hindi,' he said. When asked why he did not report the matter to the police, he stated that he did not take the threats seriously. 'I have enemies waiting for an opportunity to pull me down. I am prepared to face hundreds of such threats for Lord Mahalingeshwara,' he added.
Uppinangady Temple Development
The MLA also announced that a proposal has been prepared to develop the Sahasralingeshwara Temple in Uppinangady at an estimated cost of Rs 352 crore. He said the government is expected to approve the proposal within 15-20 days to develop the temple on the lines of Kudala Sangama. Various development works, including facilities for 'pinda pradhana' rituals, construction of a retaining wall for the river, road, and a dam, will be completed within two years once the proposal is approved.
