A view of the procession taken out as part of the Virat Hindu Samavesh organised to mark the golden jubilee of Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Hubballi on Sunday.— Photo: Kiran Bakale
A procession preceded the Virat Hindu Samavesh, which was held here on Sunday.
While over 3,000 police personnel and two companies of Rapid Action Force kept vigil at strategic points, people waving saffron flags marched on the thoroughfares of the city. Saffron flags and buntings were tied along the road side.
Beginning from the Moorusavir Mutt Ground, the procession covered the streets of the central business district before reaching Nehru Stadium, the venue of the convention organised to mark the golden jubilee of Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Along the route of the procession, women and children showered petals on the portrait of Bharat Mata that was mounted on a vehicle.
Apart from office-bearers of Hindutva outfits, the former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, BJP State unit president Pralhad Joshi, MP, among others, led the procession.
The participants raised slogans, while traditional music bands provided background music. There was bursting of fire crackers at regular intervals.
While it is natural for the Hindutva activists to use the portraits of Hindu deities and champions of Hindutva, the procession also had the portrait of social reformer Bàsavanna who condemned untouchability.