In a significant development, the Koppal district administration officer has withdrawn an earlier order to remove electricity poles erected on the roads of Gangavathi Taluka near Anjanadri Hills, the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.

The Gangavathi Tehsildar’s decision to reverse the earlier order followed widespread public criticism of the move on social media.

These electric lamp posts depict ‘Gada’ and ‘Dhanush’ in ornamental forms to symbolize the weapons of Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman. They also had the symbol of Lord Venkateswara.

The original order dated August 28 called for the removal of the poles and proposed filing a case against the engineers of Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL).

However, Gangavathi Tehsildar has now clarified that the matter is under the jurisdiction of the municipal council. Since the issue was discussed and approved in a general meeting, no case will be filed against the executive engineer of Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) and no poles will be removed.

The controversy was sparked by concerns raised by the SDPI, the political wing of the banned Islamist organisation PFI, over the installation of electricity poles along the road. The SDPI claimed that these were similar to those in Tirupati and Ayodhya and symbolised a single religion.

The SDPI reportedly argued that this could disturb social peace in the city and submitted a petition to the Gangavathi Municipal Commissioner requesting that the poles be removed.

In response to the petition, the Gangavathi Tehsildar initially ordered the removal of the poles and suggested legal action against KRIDL. However, following public outcry, the order has since been revoked.

The electricity pylons in question display images of bows and arrows, which officials say are intended to guide believers to the historic Anjanadri mountain, which is considered the birthplace of the god Hanuman. Public television reported.

According to local media reports, these images are intended to inspire religious devotion among visitors to Anjanadri, and according to authorities, they do not hurt anyone’s sentiments.

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