MLA H.R. Gaviyappa announced that ₹3 crore will be released under the Chief Minister’s special grant for the development of 43 mosques in Hospet city and the Vijayanagar constituency. He stated that officials from concerned departments would soon visit the sites to prepare cost estimates.
The MLA announced while attending a simple mass marriage ceremony of ten couples from the Muslim communities, organised on Thursday by the Karnataka State Nadaf/Pinjara Association and Khwaja Garib Nawaz Trust, Hospet.
“I respect the Muslim community on par with Hindus. I respond to every call, irrespective of the community. Similarly, if other small communities among Hindus approach me with their needs, I will address them as well,” he said. Gaviyappa also assured that he would speak to the district-in-charge minister to allot a CA site for a Pinjara Community Hall at a concessional rate and expressed confidence that the request would be fulfilled.
Recalling his family’s close association with Hirehal Ibrahim Saheb, the MLA said that displaying Hirehal’s name on the stage added special significance to the event.
Emphasizing the need to utilize government schemes, the MLA advised people to opt for simple mass marriages instead of extravagant celebrations. As part of the programme, government-issued cheques of ₹50,000 each were distributed to the newly married couples.
Essential household items such as cots, wardrobes, and kitchen utensils were arranged near the Shadi Mahal, which the MLA personally inspected while extending his wishes to the couples. Despite the ongoing Legislative Assembly session, Gaviyappa travelled by air specifically to attend the ceremony.
Noting that several smaller communities have begun requesting similar mass marriage programmes, the MLA said he is willing to extend further support upon request.
More than 3,000 people attended the event, for which biryani was served to all participants until 4 pm. The MLA personally contributed ₹3 lakh towards the meal arrangements.