Work on the wall of Sri Arkeshwara Swamy Temple in Hale Edathore. Photo: Mysuru District Police
Bengaluru: Opposition leader R. Ashoka questioned Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge over what he described as mosque and cross symbols painted at the historic Arkeshwara Temple in K.R. Nagar.
Asking who had authorised the work or issued a government order, Ashoka demanded accountability. He questioned whether the Congress government would allow trishul or Om symbols inside a mosque or church.
R. Ashoka — October 18, 2026
Temple in-charge’s claim
Temple in-charge Aarati was quoted as saying that a senior official had instructed that the symbols be retained in the name of communal harmony. The accompanying account said they were subsequently erased on the tahsildar’s orders.
ಸನಾತನ — October 18, 2026
Police say wall images were painted over
Mysuru district police said the incident concerned the ancient Sri Arkeshwara Swamy Temple at Hale Edathore village in K.R. Nagar taluk. In an October 17 statement, police said the tahsildar visited the site immediately after learning of the matter and took steps to have the wall images painted over and removed.
Police said further necessary action would be taken. Their statement did not identify who had originally ordered the paintings.
Ashoka said decisions affecting Hindu sacred spaces required transparency and sensitivity, and that the government should not take religious sentiments for granted.
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