Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed the state police to provide full protection for the construction of a Catholic church in Ramapur village of Belagavi district following sustained protests by Hindutva organizations, signaling the governmentâs resolve to uphold law, order and constitutional rights amid rising communal tensions.
The directive comes in the wake of strong opposition from groups affiliated with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, which objected to the construction activity and staged demonstrations at the site. Protesters alleged that the church project was linked to religious conversions and demanded an immediate halt to the work, raising concerns over public order in the area.
According to official records, the Ramapur Gram Panchayat had granted permission for the construction of the church and an associated religious hall as early as July 24, following due process and verification of documents. However, tensions escalated after the foundation work began, prompting objections from right-wing groups and pressure on local authorities to suspend the project.
As protests intensified, local panchayat officials reportedly cited the volatile situation and law-and-order concerns while recommending a temporary stoppage of construction. This development led the Catholic diocese of Belagavi to approach the state government, asserting that the project was entirely legal and that obstruction by non-state groups amounted to a violation of religious freedom guaranteed under the Constitution.
Following representations from Church authorities, including the diocesan leadership, the Chief Ministerâs Office intervened and instructed the police department to ensure adequate security at the site. Senior officials said the police have been asked to prevent any disruption, maintain peace in the locality and allow construction activities to continue without intimidation or violence.
The incident has once again brought focus to the growing number of religious disputes in Karnataka, where communal flashpoints have emerged over places of worship, religious processions and faith-related activities in recent years. Political observers note that such confrontations often test the stateâs administrative machinery, particularly in balancing public order with constitutional protections.
Residents of Ramapur village have expressed mixed reactions to the developments. While some fear that continued protests could disturb communal harmony, others have welcomed the governmentâs decision, stating that lawful construction approved by elected local bodies should not be obstructed by pressure groups.
With police deployment now in place, authorities say they will closely monitor the situation to prevent escalation and ensure that peace is maintained. The episode is being watched closely across the state as a measure of how the Karnataka government handles sensitive religious issues amid an increasingly polarised socio-political climate.