Tensions have arisen in Karnataka over Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations following comments from BJP leader and Karnataka Leader of Opposition R Ashoka. He accused a police official in T Narasipura, Mysuru, of imposing restrictions on the festivities. This claim has ignited a political dispute, raising questions about the accountability of local authorities in managing public celebrations during significant cultural events.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ashoka said, “The police officer in T. Ashoka accused the Congress government in Karnataka of not allowing Hindus to celebrate Ganeshotsava peacefully since it came to power. 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 later joined a protest in T Narasipura over the row and demanded the resignation of the police officer who allegedly called for curbs on Ganeshotsav celebrations in the region. Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar slammed the BJP’s alleged attempt to ‘create unrest’ during the festival. “Ganesh is not anybody’s property. It is not the BJP’s property.
Ashoka said the police officer called Ganesh festival organisers and allegedly threatened them against going near any mosque, taking out processions, bursting crackers or raising slogans, according to news agency ANI. He went on to accuse the Congress government in Karnataka of acting like a “Taliban government” and a “one-sided government”. He said Ganesh Utsav would be celebrated peacefully in the state. It belongs to everyone,” he said, adding that the government had declared a holiday for the festival and was encouraging its celebrations.
