JD(S) leaders protest against Hassan district administration

Leaders of the Janata Dal (Secular) party, led by legislators H.P. Swaroop and A. Manju staged a protest at the main entrance to Hasanamba Temple in Hassan alleging that the district administration showed disrespect to Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy during his visit to the temple on Friday (October 17, 2025).

The MLAs and their followers assembled at the entrance. The police intervened as they tried to enter the temple premises by removing the barricades. They wanted the DC to come to the place and answer them. They continued the protest despite rains.

H.P. Swaroop, Hassan MLA, said that during the Mr. Kumaraswamy’s visit to the temple, the officers didn’t welcome him. There were none from the district administration to receive the Union Minister at the temple.

Further, he alleged that the district administration did not invite him to inaugurate the cultural events organised as part of Hasanamba festival. “He being the MLA should have been invited to preside over the programme. But the officers did not inform him,” he said.

Hasanamba Festival that began on October 9 will conclude on October 23. Lakhs of people from different parts of the State and outside have visited the temple during the festival. The temple will be closed on the last day of the festival.