Mysuru, Oct 5 : The BJP and progressive thinkers in Karnataka are in a confrontation mode over celebration of the Mahisha Dasara, here. The Mahisha Dasara Celebration Committee has prepared to celebrate Mahisha Dasara on October 13, atop the Chamundi Hill and in the city. The committee has sought permission from the district authorities in this regard. Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa had stated that the government will not come in the way of the celebration. However, BJP and right wing groups are furious over the issue, saying Mahisha is a demon king killed by goddess Chamundeshwari. "The celebration of Mahisha dasara is an insult to the goddess and hurts the religious sentiments of Hindus," they claim. However, progressive thinkers said: "Mahisha is wrongly portrayed as a demon. The city Mysuru has derived its name from king Mahisha. The people loved his administration and hence the city is named after him." Mysuru-Kodagu BJP MP Pratap Simha had called for Chamundi Chalo programme on October 13 to prevent the celebration of Mahisha Dasara. He had also challenged that at any cost, the celebration will not be allowed. Reacting to the call, Purushottam, the President of Mahisha Dasara Committee, had charged that the property of Chamundi Hill does not belong to his (Pratap Simha's) father. 'We will celebrate Mahisha Dasara on the declared date. We will see how they can stop us. We are ready for confrontation,' Purushottam said. 'We are ready for any kind of confrontation. But, there are different platforms for it. MP Pratap Simha should not create confrontation in the name of religion,' Purushottam said. "The permission had been sought for Mahisha Dasara long back. The statue of Mahisha would be garlanded first atop the Chamundi Hill and later a programme would be held at the Town Hall in Mysuru. Who is Pratap Simha to stop this? Is Chamundi hill Pratap Simha's father's property? Purushottam said. 'Everyone has freedom of carrying out religious practices,' he said. BSP State Secretary H.R. Mahesh said: "BJP MP Pratap Simha belongs to Mahisha's lineage. He is stuck with the Brahmanism and Manuvad of BJP. He does not know real history, he will come forward to celebrate once he knows it. We will educate him." "BJP MLA from Mysuru Ravi Srivatsa won't change. He belongs to a community which projected Mahisha as a demon. But, Pratap Simha will change as he belongs to the Shudra community (Scheduled Caste). Since Pratap Simha is with the BJP, he has to support the ideology. But, he will change," Mahesh stated. /IANS