Coordination Committee fails to decide on Datta Jayanti fest

Bangalore, Oct 4 (UNI) The Coordination Committee of coalition parties in Karnataka -- Janata Dal (Secular) and Bharatiya Janata Party -- today inconclusively discussed the Datta Jayanti celebrations, to be held at Sri Dattatreya Peeta at Bababudangiri Hills in Chikmagalur district.

Emerging out of the closed door meeting, held for nearly four hours, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy told newspersons here that another round of talks would be held later in the night, involving top bureaucrats, before taking a final decision on permitting celebrations in the district.

The week-long Dattamale celebrations had begun on October two and would conclude on October eight. Shobhayatra of the devotees would be held for three days from December two.

Mr Kumaraswamy assured that the decision would be taken, keeping in mind all communities and the legal framework as per the High Court directives. The Government was clear on the issue and there was no confusion, he clarified.

Home Minister M P Prakash, who was also present, said the officials' meeting would involve the High Court Chief Justice, the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police.

The coalition Government was formed with the sole objective of development of the State and there was no cause for any concern with regard to the continuance of the Government, he said, adding that the Government might take a final decision on the issue by tomorrow.

UNI SR GD GM1830