Hubballi: VHP national secretary Gopal urged the Karnataka government to permit installation of a Ganesha idol at Rani Channamma Maidan (Idgah Maidan) in Hubballi for 21 days instead of the current 48-hour limit. Addressing devotees during the immersion procession, he said the Ganeshotsava at the maidan was celebrated with enthusiasm.Gopal also demanded that Hindu temples be managed by Hindu-run committees rather than government-appointed administrators. He alleged that the government was interested only in revenue from profitable temples and questioned why similar administrators were not appointed for mosques and churches. He further criticised the state government, claiming the chief minister visited temples out of fear of losing Hindu support and accusing the home minister of opposing the RSS and Vande Mataram.The immersion procession, which began at noon, saw participation from hundreds of devotees, BJP and RSS activists, and cultural teams. Security was supervised by Hubballi-Dharwad police commissioner Bhushan Borase.
