Archive · 22 Sep 2026
BJP Leaders Condemn Arrests, Demand Ganesh Immersion Arrangements
BJP leaders said some Ganesh festival organizers were arrested while asking for better immersion arrangements in Hyderabad.
They want the government to talk with the organizers instead of detaining them.
They also want large idols to be immersed at Tank Bund and Hussain Sagar, places used for the celebration for many years.
About 1.4 lakh idols have been installed in Hyderabad.
The leaders said cranes, traffic control, security and cleaning are needed before September 25.
They asked that all detained organizers be released.
In Karimnagar, BJP leaders were also detained during a protest about water for immersions.
That protest ended after officials agreed to release 500 cusecs of water and promised more water later.
G. Kishan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay Kumar and N. Ramachander Rao condemned arrests of Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samiti activists in Hyderabad.
The BJP leaders demanded dialogue, practical arrangements and the unconditional release of detained protesters ahead of the September 25 immersion.
They opposed reported restrictions at Tank Bund and Hussain Sagar, urging that traditional immersion locations remain available.
Around 1.4 lakh idols have been installed across Hyderabad, prompting calls for cranes, traffic control, sanitation and security measures.
In Karimnagar, police detained protesting BJP leaders before the agitation was withdrawn after an agreement to release water for immersion.
- Who
- Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, State BJP Chief N. Ramachander Rao, Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samiti activists and BJP leaders in Karimnagar.
- What
- BJP leaders condemned arrests and demanded traditional immersion locations, better facilities and the release of detained protesters; a separate Karimnagar protest sought water for immersions.
- When
- Ahead of the main Hyderabad immersion on September 25; the Karimnagar agitation was withdrawn after an agreement to release water.
- Where
- Tank Bund and Hussain Sagar in Hyderabad, and the Chintakunta canal area in Karimnagar.
- Why
- The protests concerned immersion arrangements, reported restrictions on traditional locations, and the availability of water for local immersions.
BJP and Festival Organizers
State Government Approach
Immersion locations
BJP and Festival Organizers
The BJP and Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samiti want immersion to continue at Tank Bund and Hussain Sagar, citing long-standing tradition.
State Government Approach
The government reportedly sought to restrict immersion in the main lake and divert it to the backwaters, although the articles do not provide a detailed explanation of its position.
Handling protests
BJP and Festival Organizers
BJP leaders described the arrests as wrong and demanded talks and the unconditional release of detained Samiti members.
State Government Approach
Police detained protesters in Hyderabad and Karimnagar; the articles do not state the government's detailed justification for the arrests or reported lathicharge.
Karimnagar water supply
BJP and Festival Organizers
BJP protesters demanded water release for local immersions and accused the irrigation minister of neglecting regional needs.
State Government Approach
The state government agreed to release 500 cusecs and officials promised an additional 3,000 cusecs, after which the BJP withdrew its agitation.
- Main Hyderabad immersion
- Scheduled for September 25
- Idols installed
- Around 1,40,000 across Hyderabad
- Organizing group
- Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samiti
- Traditional locations cited
- Tank Bund and Hussain Sagar, also called Vinayaka Sagar by devotees
- Requested facilities
- Cranes, traffic management, public order, security and sanitation
- Karimnagar water agreement
- 500 cusecs from SRSP, with officials promising an additional 3,000 cusecs
- Named large idols
- The 70-foot Khairatabad idol and 73-foot Kothapet idol
