News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/18th July 2024
The Karnataka government has ordered the closure of a Bengaluru shopping mall for one week following an incident where an elderly farmer was allegedly denied entry due to his attire. This decision comes after a wave of outrage on social media and pressure from various groups.
Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh confirmed the government’s legal authority to impose such a shutdown. Speaking to the Karnataka Assembly on Thursday, Suresh mentioned, “I just spoke to one of our former BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) commissioners. The government has the provision under the law to shut down the mall for seven days.”
The incident took place on Tuesday evening at the mall located on Magadi Main Road. The farmer, Fakirappa, accompanied by his son, was stopped at the entrance by security personnel despite holding tickets for a movie. A video capturing the father and son pleading with the security staff to let them in quickly went viral, igniting widespread condemnation.
In the video, the security staff can be heard enforcing the mall’s policy, which reportedly prohibits entry to individuals dressed in dhotis. Despite repeated appeals, the security personnel did not relent and even suggested that the farmer change into pants to gain entry.
This incident has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which used the opportunity to attack the ruling Congress government in Karnataka. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took to Twitter, accusing the Congress of being “anti-farmer.” He stated, “Under Karnataka Congress govt patronage, farmers are being abused and insulted for wearing Dhoti? Banned entry in a mall! The Karnataka CM wears a dhoti! Dhoti is our pride… Should a farmer wear a tuxedo in a mall?”
Poonawalla further criticized the Congress for raising diesel prices, claiming they had betrayed farmers and were now insulting them by denying entry to those in traditional attire. He questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s silence on the matter, asking, “Where is Rahul Baba? Is this Kisan ke saath Nyay?”
The incident has also sparked protests from Kannada and farmers’ groups. On Thursday, several organizations demonstrated against the mall’s policy and the perceived disrespect towards traditional attire and the farming community. These groups have demanded justice and called for stricter regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.
The mall’s management has not yet released a statement addressing the incident or the government’s decision to shut it down. However, the closure order serves as a strong message from the Karnataka government about the importance of respecting cultural attire and the rights of all individuals, regardless of their dress.
This incident has highlighted the broader issue of cultural insensitivity and the need for greater awareness and inclusivity in public spaces. It has also brought to the forefront the struggles of the farming community, who often face discrimination and marginalization.
As the mall remains closed for the next week, it is hoped that this action will lead to a more inclusive and respectful environment for all patrons, ensuring that such incidents do not recur. The government’s swift response underscores its commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of every citizen, reinforcing the message that cultural attire, like the dhoti, should be respected and accepted in all public spaces.
