Indira Canteen Construction at Hubli Cemetery Sparks Outrage and Protests

HUBLI (Sept. 19) — The construction of an Indira Canteen at a cemetery on Mantoor Road in Hubli has ignited intense controversy and public outrage. In response, the Sathya Harishchandra Rudrabhoomi Development Protection Committee organized a protest march from Mantoor Road to the Hubli Municipal Corporation office today.

During the demonstration, local legislator Abhay Prasad faced heated criticism from protesters, particularly from a woman named Pramila Kothari, who expressed her anger by questioning the appropriateness of building a canteen at a burial site. “We come here to mourn, not to eat. Does Abhay have any sense? Isn’t there another place for him?” Kothari shouted, challenging the legislator’s decisions.

The controversy escalated further following remarks made by Pramod Muthalik, founder of the Sri Ram Sena, on September 16. He condemned the rapid construction of the canteen, stating that it was built overnight by demolishing part of the Hindu cemetery's compound. Muthalik demanded the immediate relocation of the canteen, threatening that they would take matters into their own hands if it was not moved. He also challenged authorities to construct an Indira Canteen at a Muslim burial site instead.

The protest highlights growing tensions surrounding the canteen’s location, as the Rudrabhoomi Development Protection Committee has vowed to continue their fight against the establishment of the facility in the cemetery.