Mangaluru: Alleged exclusion of muslim traders from Kudupu temple fair sparks controversy

Team Udayavani, Dec 7, 2023, 7:57 PM IST

Muslim traders claim they have been barred from setting up their business units at the upcoming ‘Shashthi Mahotsava,’ a religious fair scheduled to take place from December 14 to 19 at the Kudupu Sri Anantha Padmanabha temple premises in Mangaluru.

Managed by the Muzrai department of the Karnataka government, the temple has completed the stall allotment process, and allegations have surfaced that Muslim traders, who approached the temple for stall permissions, were reportedly denied participation.

The Muslims vendors have alleged that they were instructed to obtain stalls in the names of Hindus so that they can conduct their business.

Meanwhile, the Street Vendors Association has expressed discontent over the situation and has asked the government and district administration to look into the matter.

“The Muslim traders have not been permitted to do the business during the fair,” the association said.

The business community used to install their stalls on the public road in front of the temple. However, the Muslim vendors have said that they have been denied permission to conduct business since last year.

The vendors association has also argued that these religious fairs are a means for poor Muslim traders to earn their livelihood.

“They are now being unjustly denied permission,” the association said.

The Muslim vendors have been demanding resignation of Minister for Health and District in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.

(With inputs from IANS)