Bangalore: The raging controversy, against and for Madesnana (rolling over leftover Banana Leaves by devotees after Brahmins take their meals in a temple) at Kukke Subrahmanya, has not been overcome by state government taking a middle position of maintaining the tradition, as a status-quo at best.

The Dalits had felt deeply wounded, as Brahmins were not among devotees rolling over left-over Banana leaves.

Dr. V.S. Acharya, Muzrai minister speaking on the issue in state legislative council (upper house on) Monday described the practice as a “sensitive matter affecting the hoary temple ceremonies, and that no decision can be taken “in a hurry”.

Instead of social/religious pressure put on Brahmins and other devotees one has to go by persuasion, to remove the custom, by talking to the elder persons of the area, the mister explained.

He argued that the custom was not created by BJP after it came to power. What is idiotic about the tradition cannot be explained away.

Faith is at work in a large audience, not entertainment. The devotees have certain sentiments, which need to be respected, he stated.

Congress leader, a Dalit, Motamma argued against the ritual in practice at champa shasti.

JD-S leader YSV Datta and Congressman V.R. Sudarshan decried the traditions not continue only among Bharati Shetty of BJP said that superstitions did not continue only among the Hindus.

Kota Srinivas Pujari (BJP) pointed to the faith of the people. Several MLCs spoke on the religious ritual. Congress/JDs members walked out of the house finally.