In the case of Columbus statues, the reactions have ranged from benign neglect to silent support to active praise. In the case of Babri Masjid, there was near universal condemnation.
The Hindu activists and villagers have alleged the church authorities had obtained the government plot illegally. The villagers claimed that the church had not only encroached the land but had renamed the hill as 'Mahima betta'.
On Christmas last year, Congress strongman DK Shivakumar had handed over the documents of the land to the trust which is tasked with the responsibility of building the 114 feet tall Jesus Christ statue.