Row through special passes to enter Hasanamba Temple in Hassan

HD Revanna | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO

Former minister and JD(S) leader HD Revanna, who alleges irregularities in the distribution of free darshan passes during the Hasanamba festival in Hassan, warned that hundreds of party workers would forcibly enter the temple if the issue was not resolved by Tuesday.

At a press conference in Hassan on Sunday, Mr. Revanna said thousands of free passes had been printed and distributed among members of the ruling Congress. He demanded that the district administration disclose the details of the ID cards distributed among the elected representatives in the district.

Mr. Revanna said an official came to him to hand over 500 IDs, but he refused to accept them. “If the cards are not properly distributed among the elected representatives of the district by Tuesday, I will send 5,000 party workers to storm the temple,” he said.

He also complained that the district administration did not invite him to the festival.

Minister’s answer

Excise Minister KM Shivalinge Gowda, who is also the minister in-charge of the district, refuted the claim. “Each legislator received 500 passes and Hassan MLA HP Swaroop received 1,500 as the temple is in his constituency. MP Hassan received 1,000. We have streamlined the distribution to avoid the chaos and confusion created a few years ago due to additional passes,” he said.

The Hasanamba festival, which started on October 29, will end on November 11. The temple is open for devotees only during this festival and therefore attracts a huge crowd.

Published – 02 Nov 2026 19:07 IST