Ganeshotsava Restrictions Discriminatory, Alleges LoP R Ashoka

BENGALURU, SEPT 13 : Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka on Sunday accused the Congress government of adopting a discriminatory approach towards Ganeshotsava celebrations and questioned why restrictions were being imposed on devotees instead of taking action against those creating law-and-order problems.

Reacting to the controversy over police instructions concerning a Ganesh procession in T Narasipura in Mysuru district, Ashoka said the authorities should take action against troublemakers rather than impose restrictions on devotees.

“Why target Ganeshotsava alone? If there are troublemakers, take action against them instead of targeting devotees,” Ashoka said.

The controversy erupted after a video purportedly showing T Narasipura Police Inspector Dhananjaya warning Ganeshotsava organisers against taking the procession in front of a mosque on Link Road and bursting crackers surfaced. The remarks triggered strong objections from BJP leaders.

Ashoka questioned the rationale behind asking Ganeshotsava organisers to avoid certain routes and activities, saying the police should instead ensure adequate security and deal firmly with anyone attempting to disrupt the procession.

“If there are rowdies or troublemakers, show your authority on them. Why impose restrictions on those celebrating Ganeshotsava?” he asked.

The issue also led to tension outside the T Narasipura police station, where BJP leaders and supporters, including those backing former MP Pratap Simha, gathered to protest against the police warning. Hundreds of activists reportedly assembled at the spot and raised slogans in support of BJP leaders.

Meanwhile, Dalit organisations staged a counter-protest against Simha, accusing him of making provocative remarks and demanding his arrest. The developments resulted in a charged atmosphere outside the police station.

Ashoka also questioned why Ganesh processions passing near churches, gurdwaras, Jain temples or Buddhist places of worship did not generally lead to similar controversies, while disputes arose when processions passed near mosques. He alleged that the Congress government was applying different standards to Hindu festivals and asked whether the police were following the same rules for all communities.

The BJP leader's remarks came amid wider criticism of the government's handling of Ganeshotsava celebrations. BJP leaders have alleged that police were imposing stringent conditions on processions instead of taking action against those responsible for previous incidents of stone-pelting.

In a separate controversy in Maddur, BJP leaders objected to police notices issued nearly a year after stone-pelting during last year's Ganeshotsava procession. They questioned why those who had protested against the incident were being summoned along with those accused of the violence.

Ashoka demanded that the authorities take action against those responsible for any disturbance and make adequate security arrangements to ensure peaceful Ganeshotsava celebrations across Karnataka.