Bengaluru: Home Minister G. Parmeshwara held discussions with Chikkamagaluru MLAs, community leaders, and public representatives at Vidhana Soudha to resolve the Baba Budan Giri Dargah dispute.
The meeting followed the Supreme Court’s Jan 7 directive, asking the state to submit its opinion by March 25. The shrine in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, has been a long-standing point of legal and political contention.
The government has been actively discussing the issue, with cabinet subcommittees addressing the tensions. Recently, social activists and civil society members presented historical evidence supporting the Dargah’s significance.
Documents from Tipu Sultan’s era were submitted, emphasizing the Dargah’s historical roots. Reports state that Baba Budan, a Sufi saint, introduced coffee seeds from Yemen to India. Chikkamagaluru, now a major coffee hub, owes its legacy to him.
The Supreme Court has closely monitored the case, with legal battles ongoing for years. A government order once recognized the Dargah’s status, but legal challenges led to stays and reconsiderations. Political influences have further complicated the issue.
Despite tensions, local communities, including non-Muslims, support the shrine’s status as a Dargah. Their voices, along with legal arguments, have strengthened the case for preservation. However, at times, the region has seen unrest.
This struggle highlights the complexity of shared religious sites. The government has an opportunity to ensure justice and communal harmony. With the March 25 deadline approaching, all eyes are on the authorities. A just decision could bring lasting peace and set a precedent for similar disputes.
