BJP alleges police threatened organisers over Ganesh Chaturthi processions in Karnataka, SP denies curbs: Here is what we know so far

Karnataka BJP leader R Ashoka has accused police in T Narasipura of restricting Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and warning organisers against processions, crackers and slogans.
Hindu groups protest over police curbs on Ganesh Chaturthi procession (Image via X)

A fresh controversy has erupted in Karnataka’s Mysuru district over Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations after BJP leader and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka alleged that police had imposed restrictions on Ganesh processions in T Narasipura. Hindu organisations and BJP workers later held a protest in the town, demanding action against the police officer who allegedly called festival organisers and threatened them not to go near any masjid, no procession, no crackers, and no slogans.

The controversy began after BJP’s R Ashoka said that a police official had called Ganesh festival organisers and told them not to take processions near mosques, burst crackers or raise slogans. He accused the Congress government in Karnataka of creating restrictions on Hindu festivals.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, 13th September, Ashoka said, “The police officer in T. Narasipur, Mysuru, called the Ganesha festival organisers and threatened them not to go near any masjid, no procession, no crackers, and no slogans. This is not just a Mysuru issue; this is happening across Karnataka. Police officers are calling Ganesha Chaturthi organisers and threatening them.”

Ashoka also accused the state government of behaving like a “Taliban government” and a “one-sided government”. He later joined the protest in T Narasipura and demanded the resignation of the police official involved in the matter.

What are Hindu organisations and BJP saying?

The allegations triggered protests by pro-Hindu organisations and BJP workers in T Narasipura. Protesters objected to what they described as attempts to restrict traditional Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and demanded that devotees be allowed to take out processions according to established practices.

The main concern raised by the protesters was whether devotees would be allowed to follow the traditional procession routes and carry out celebrations, including activities such as bursting crackers and raising slogans.

What did the police say?

Mysuru Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi, however, rejected the claim that new restrictions had been imposed on Ganesh processions in T Narasipura. Baladandi said there was no restriction on traditional procession routes and that organisers could follow the same routes they had used in previous years.

“Whatever Ganesh processions went where last year and whatever routes they followed, there is no restriction of any kind on following the same routes this year,” Baladandi said.

The SP said T Narasipura town has around 15 to 20 Ganesh pandals, with immersions scheduled on different days. He maintained that organisers could continue to use the routes traditionally followed by them. “There is no problem in going to the same places they went to last year. There is no restriction. We are not introducing any new practice this year,” Baladandi said.

He also rejected the suggestion that police had assumed devotees would burst crackers near a mosque. According to the police, there are no new restrictions on the traditional celebrations, provided organisers follow the required permission and prior-notice process.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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