Karnataka—BJP Chitradurga MP, who went to listen to peoples' grievances, denied entry in Golla village for being a Dalit

A Karnataka BJP Member of Parliament (MP) A Narayanaswamy was denied entry to a village temple in Tumakuru by members of Yadava community as he is a Dalit, according to eyewitnesses.

The incident took place at Gollarahatti of Paramanahalli village in Tumkur district on Monday.

"We have traditions. There is a history of incidents. So people said he should not be allowed," said a local resident Nagaraj.

Narayanaswamy, who represents Karnataka's Chitradurga Lok Sabha constituency, had gone to see the problems of the village for development works. He went there with a plan for road construction work and to set up a clean drinking water plant. The leader later returned back.

A former minister and MP from Chitradurga district, Narayanaswamy allegedly was not allowed to enter Gollarahatti village in Pavagada Taluk of Tumakuru district by the villagers as he belongs to scheduled caste community.

As per the tradition of the villagers, people belonging to the Dalit community were not allowed to enter the village. Gollarahatti is part of his constituency and Narayanaswamy had visited to hear peoples' grievances and provide them housing and other basic amenities, as they have been living in huts for several years without amenities.

The District Collector has ordered an enquiry into the matter.

(With inputs from ANI)