Signature campaign against Bar Hotel

TRIPUNITHURA: The locals of Gandhi Square, under the leadership of Congress leader A B Sabu, have started a signature campaign against the proposed bar hotel in front of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.“Soon after the merciless assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by a communalist, Ittiraarissa Menokki, a Gandhian, had placed a traditional oil lamp atop a wooden plank and a photograph of Mahatmaji near the present Gandhi Square,” recalled 89-year-old Elamana Hari. “Later, a bust size statue of Gandhiji was placed on a raised platform there. Thus, the junction got the name Gandhi Square,” Elamana Hari, who inaugurated the signature campaign against the proposed bar hotel, said.Later, that statue was replaced by a marble one, made by artist Dattan. Later, it was replaced by a full size statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Moreover, Gandhi Square became the prime spot of cultural get-together, especially on Gandhi Jayanti days. On October 2, special prayers, peace march and cultural programmes are held here to recall the memories of Mahatmaji.However, the works of a full-fledged hotel complex have already been completed in front ofthe Gandhi statue and is waiting for a bar licence. Now, the locals have raised the issue of serenity of Gandhi Square.   “The retail outlet of the State Beverages Corporation on the Pettah-Gandhi Square road acts as a pub and a toddy shop. The people, who drink from there, often create tense moments near the Pettah Junction and Thamarasseri road,” said Elamana Hari. “Adding fuel to the fire, now a bar hotel is almost ready to open right in front of the statue of Mahatmaji,” Hari said. It is not just the presence of the Gandhi statue that we are highlighting, but there is also a temple just a few yards away from the proposed bar, he said.