Devotees protest VIP darshan at Hasanamba Temple; slippers thrown at TV screen during Karnataka CM’s visit

General darshan was temporarily suspended to facilitate the Chief Minister’s visit and special prayers at the temple. The decision reportedly upset devotees, who were left waiting while arrangements were made for the VIP darshan.

In an expression of protest, some angry devotees allegedly threw slippers at a television screen displaying the proceedings of the Chief Minister’s visit. The incident brought the issue of VIP privileges at places of worship into focus, with devotees questioning why ordinary visitors should be inconvenienced to accommodate political leaders.

The episode has once again raised concerns over the practice of suspending public access to temples for VIP visits, particularly during periods of heavy pilgrim footfall. The incident has triggered debate over the need to balance security and protocol requirements with the right of ordinary devotees to have an uninterrupted opportunity to offer prayers.

The reported protest at Hasanamba Temple has also revived the broader question of whether elected representatives should be given priority over the general public at religious institutions.