Shivamogga: A dispute over efforts to rename prominent Ameer Ahmed Circle has prompted police complaints from community groups.The controversy began after social media pages, including accounts under the name ‘Hindu Alankara Samiti’ and several Instagram profiles, shared videos and posts labelling the location ‘Savarkar Circle’.Representatives of Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and Shivamogga Muslim Union submitted a memorandum to the district SP, stating that the junction has been known as Ameer Ahmed Circle for decades. They sought legal action against those circulating the posts, alleging that misrepresenting the name and displaying decorative statues and swords at the site were intended to create communal tension. They also sought an investigation into the videos’ origin and steps to prevent unrest.Shivamogga MLA SN Channabasappa said he was not seeking any dispute over the circle’s official name and called for calm ahead of the Hindu Mahasabha Ganesha festival. Asked about a 1973 municipal circular designating it Ameer Ahmed Circle, he said he would not debate past circulars or social media claims, noting that many city locations have informal local names.He said ‘Savarkar Circle’ is not an official title and claimed efforts to honour Vinayak Damodar Savarkar have continued for over 50 years. He defended the ‘Vande Mataram’ grand archway as a tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and urged all communities to participate peacefully in the celebrations.
