K’taka: Seers urge Shivakumar to provide security to Pranavanandaram Swamiji
Bengaluru: A group of seers representing various backward and marginalised communities on Wednesday appealed to Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to provide adequate security to Pranavanandaram Mahaswamiji, citing alleged death threats made against him on social media.
The development is significant, as Pranavanandaram Swamiji, popularly known as Pranavananda Swamiji, had earlier challenged former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on several occasions, questioning his claim to be a champion of backward classes.
He had also held protests in Delhi against Siddaramaiah, demanding the Chief Minister’s post for Shivakumar.
The delegation, comprising seers associated with the Brahmashri Narayanaguru Shakti Peetha Trust and the Federation of Pontiffs of Extremely Backward Communities, met the Chief Minister at his Sadashivanagar residence and submitted a memorandum seeking protection for the seer.
Among those who submitted the petition were Sangamananda Swamiji of the Sarvadharma Samaja, Doddendra Swamiji of the Vishwakarma community, Sardar Sevalal Swamiji of the Banjara community, Basavamurthy Kumbara Guddayya Swamiji of the Kumbara community, Halliraya Natikar Swamiji of the Hoogar community, Karunakara Swamiji of the semi-nomadic community, and Marulashankara Swamiji of the Pinjara community.
According to the memorandum, Pranavanandaram Mahaswamiji, associated with the Brahmashri Narayanaguru Shakti Peetha in Kalaburagi and the Sharanabasaveshwara Mutt in Haveri, had recently raised concerns about injustice faced by the Eediga community and other backward classes during a convention in Gokarna.
The seers said he had urged the government to ensure equitable allocation of funds to all communities and referred to policies pursued during Siddaramaiah’s tenure.
Following his remarks, several organisations and leaders from the Kuruba community allegedly opposed his statements and planned protests. Siddaramaiah belongs to the Kuruba community.
The delegation further alleged that certain comments posted on television and social media contained threats against the seer, including calls for physical harm. They expressed concern that such developments could create tensions between communities and endanger his safety.
The seers urged the state government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of Pranavanandaram Mahaswamiji and prevent any escalation of inter-community tensions.
“We do not want any conflict between communities, nor should any harm come to the swamiji. Therefore, we request the government to provide him with adequate security,” the memorandum stated.