Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Mar 19: Young people from Kharvikeri community have warned of boycotting elections if model election code of conduct comes in the way of their Holi festival celebrations. The code has become an impediment this year for the celebrations that have continued from ancient times. Police officials have made it clear that Holi festival processions cannot be permitted this time. Kharvi community has slammed the orders as against their tradition.

“The several celebrations that continue till Friday conclude by taking demoness Holika in procession and setting fire to her. No political party is involved in the celebrations. No untoward incidents have occurred so far during festival processions. Community leaders tried to convince the officials about it but there was no positive response,” alleged Kharvi community leaders Jayananda Kharvi and Chandrashekar Kharvi. The community members held an emergency meeting on Monday after failed response by tahsildar and sub division officials despite efforts.

Jayananda Kharvi said in the meeting that there is no connection between elections and Holi festival. “Holi is the only traditional festival for Kharvi community.

Therefore, it is not fair to block the celebrations,” he said. He said that continued efforts to persuade the officials are in progress.

Municipal council member Chandrashekar Kharvi said that the community will boycott elections if the model code of conduct comes on the way in between community festival celebrations. “Nobody has the right according to the constitution to block traditional celebrations of a community. If a rule is unjust towards a community, we have to fight against it by boycotting elections,” he warned.

All the members of Kharvikeri community in Kundapur took part in the coordination meeting.