A massive gathering was held in Bagalkot on Sunday as part of Virat Hindu Samavesha and Shobha Yatre.
This is one of several Samavesha rallies being organized by Hindutva organizations to celebrate the RSS centenary.
The guests started the assembly by worshiping the cows. The procession started from the Sri Venkateswara Temple.
Activists shouted slogans like Jai Sri Ram and Jai Shivaji.
Along with the procession, folk artists performed. Children dressed as great personalities and freedom fighters rode in vehicles and walked alongside.
Police made tight security arrangements for the rally, the second such procession in the city after the February 19 stone-pelting incident.
The procession moved in a small lane in front of the Panka Masjid, the site of stone pelting.
The police spread 15 feet high curtains covering the front wall of the mosque to prevent any untoward incident.
Additional CCTV cameras have been placed in important circles and sensitive areas of the city and a large number of police and personnel have been deployed.
Organizers were also given strict instructions to conduct the procession peacefully, with the police issuing appeals to some leaders of Hindutva organizations not to engage in activities that may disturb law and order.
MP PC Gaddigoudar and former MLA Veeranna Charantimath, Rajya Sabha member Narayanasa Bhandage, MLC Hanamant Nirani, leaders including Rajashekhar Shilwantar and others attended.
Published – 1 March 2026 21:12 IST
