Bengaluru: A significant meeting was held under the leadership of Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara at the Vidhana Soudha’s conference hall on Friday to discuss the ongoing dispute concerning the Dattatreya Peetha and Baba Budangiri Dargah in Chikkamagaluru. The meeting included MLAs, representatives from Chikkamagaluru district, and religious leaders. A follow-up Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting is scheduled to take place next week.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Home Minister Dr. Parameshwara stated that the government has decided to resolve the issue permanently. “Historical records and documents will be thoroughly examined, and the dispute will be addressed based on evidence and legal principles. The Dattatreya Baba Budangiri Dargah represents communal harmony in Karnataka,” he added.

Background 

Dr. Parameshwara explained that prior to 1975, certain ceremonies were conducted at the site without conflict. However, in subsequent years, disputes arose, leading both Hindu and Muslim communities to seek legal intervention. Committees and sub-committees have been formed to review the records, and the government has presented its findings in court. Several parties have approached the Supreme Court for a resolution.

On January 7, the Supreme Court directed the government to submit its opinion by March 24. In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah formed a Cabinet Sub-Committee to analyze the records and gather inputs for submission to the court.

Upcoming Sub-Committee Meeting

The Home Minister further said that a Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting will be convened next week to review suggestions from elected representatives and religious leaders. “After examining all relevant documents, we will act as per the court’s decision,” he assured.

Religious Leaders and Officials Present

The meeting was attended by Ministers Ramalinga Reddy, K.J. George, Krishna Byre Gowda, and Zameer Ahmed Khan, along with MP Kota Srinivas Poojari, MLAs H.D. Thammaiah and Nayana Motamma, MLC C.T. Ravi, and district officials.

Sub-Committee has limited scope: C.T. Ravi

MLC C.T. Ravi expressed that the state government has formed the sub-committee with a “limited mandate” to address the dispute. Speaking to the media, he said, “The Dargah and Dattapeetha are separate entities. The Inam Dargah is located in Nagenahalli, while the Dattatreya Peetha is in Bababudangiri village. Tashthik land has been sanctioned in the name of Lord Dattatreya.” He urged that the Inam Dargah should be shifted to Nagenahalli in accordance with the Sufi tradition.