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Title: Made a statement on the controversy over religious Shrine near Chikmangalur (Karnataka).  

THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI L.K. ADVANI): There is a religious shrine atop a hill, 30 kms from Chikkmagalur in Karnataka. This is under the control of the Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Government Karnataka. Both the Hindus and the Muslims regard the shrine as sacred and it is a unique example of Hindu-Muslim harmony.

The Muslims visit the shrine dedicated to the Saint Baba Budhan throughout the year. They also celebrate Urs at the site three days every year in the month of Rabi-Ul-Avval, the third month of the Islamic Calendar. For the Hindus, this is the shrine of Guru Dattatreya and they accordingly call it Dattatreya Peetha. A large number of Hindus observe Dattatreya Jayanti every year at the site during Kartik Poornima celebrations and also during other festivals.

... (Interruptions)

SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : He has not mentioned anything about... (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Prof. Kurien, the hon. Minister is going to reply. श्री रामदास अठावले (मुम्बई उत्तर-मध्य) : बजरंग दल और विश्व हिन्दू परिषद के बारे में कया एकशन हो रहा है, यह हम जानना चाहते हैं।

SHRI L.K. ADVANI: Sir, in the other House, because of the tradition and practice of that House, I replied to all the questions that were raised yesterday evening. But I have no objection, I would have no difficulty in clarifying the points. It is the question of the Chair and the tradition of this House. I would only like to emphasize that this is a matter otherwise exclusively belonging to the domain of the State Government. But we are concerned about it. The Central Government is concerned firstly that this is an example of communal harmony and it is a unique example. So, no attempt should be made by anyone to alter the character of the place.