VHP protest: Cong MLC shifts Diwali celebration venue

Disheartened by thecontroversy over his plan to hold Diwali celebrations at SriManjunatha temple at Kadri here, Congress Chief Whip in theLegislative Council Ivan D'Souza has decided to shift thevenue to a nearby hall to "avoid any further row over theissue."
VHP regional working president M B Puranik hadregistered his protest against a non-Hindu celebrating Diwaliinside a temple, saying it would "defile" the sanctity of theplace of worship.
D'Souza told reporters here that the venue of the celebrations would be shifted to Gorakshanatha hall in Kadri. The festivities would go on as planned from 3 PM tomorrow, he said.
Stating that he had no political motive as alleged bythe VHP leader, D'Souza said the idea was to involve people of all communities in celebrating the festival of lights.

Similarly, Iftar was held after Ramadan and Christmas would becelebrated in December, he said.