Bengaluru, April 11 -- Several right-wing outfits have announced the decision to hold a "shobha yatra" in response to the controversy that spiralled last year over the authorities replacing a saffron Hanuman flag with the national flag in Mandya district, people familiar with the matter said.

On January 22, 2024, a saffron Hanuman flag was hoisted on a 108-foot-high pole at the Arjuna pillar, triggering tensions in the region. The authorities removed the flag citing lack of permission and replaced it with the national flag, leading to widespread protests from Hindu organisations and incidents of police lathicharge.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and the Sri Ramanjaneya Mahotsav Samiti, will be organising the "shobha yatra...