Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Dec 1: Pramod Madhwaraj clarified that neither the BJP nor Puttige Math was responsible for the situation. “By various reasons, I could not go to that area. When the gold-plated covering was being prepared, there was no confirmation of the Prime Minister’s visit. Only later was the inauguration planned after the PM’s schedule was finalized. Neither BJP nor Puttige Math is behind this,” he stated.

Former minister and donor of the Kanaka Kavacha, Pramod Madhwaraj, said he had expected to be present during the garlanding of the Kanakadasa statue and the inauguration of the gold-plated Kanakana Kindi (Kanaka Kavacha) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s recent visit to Udupi Sri Krishna Math.

During the visit, Narendra Modi offered floral tributes to the statue of Saint Kanakadasa and inaugurated the newly gold-plated Kanakana Kindi. The event, however, sparked debate on social media after it became known that Pramod Madhwaraj, who funded and facilitated the gold plating of the Kindi, was not present at the ceremony.

The historic Kanakana Kindi, a significant symbol associated with the devotion of Kanakadasa, was originally constructed decades ago by Pramod Madhwaraj’s father. Recently, Madhwaraj undertook its reconstruction and arranged for its gold plating.

Reacting to the controversy, Pramod Madhwaraj said that not being invited was not a major issue for him. “At the time I offered the Kanaka Kavacha, the Prime Minister’s visit was not confirmed. Later, Swamiji himself announced in a press meet that it would be inaugurated by the Prime Minister. My Aadhaar details were taken four times. I was expecting to be somewhere near during the inauguration. I waited till last night for a pass. But the SP informed me that I would not be given entry. As I was expecting the pass from Math, I did not make arrangements from any other side and finally watched the program from home,” he said.

Calling it a last-minute development, he added that he was not upset. “This is a moment of happiness. Not being invited does not matter before such joy. I am not hurt. I watched the ceremony on television and felt proud. Modi himself honored me and my father’s contribution. I don’t need anything more than that. Maybe it was destined that way. I feel protected by a divine shield and honored.”

Responding to questions regarding the BJP, Pramod Madhwaraj said it was for the party to decide its arrangements. “As a social worker associated with the BJP, I have completed every responsibility given to me without expectations. What happens next is in the hands of Lord Krishna and Kanakadasa,” he said.