44 mins ago
Karnataka Ganesha Procession Remarks Near Mosque Trigger Political Row
Police in Mysuru warned organisers of a Lord Ganesha procession not to use a route near a mosque.
They also told them not to set off firecrackers on that route.
A video captured a policeman calling the situation sensitive.
BJP leaders said the warning unfairly restricts Hindu celebrations.
They said public roads should be open to everyone.
The BJP also accused the Congress government of not protecting religious processions.
Police restrictions appear to be connected to concerns about possible disturbances.
The disagreement has created another political dispute in Karnataka.
A Mysuru policeman was heard warning Ganesha procession organisers not to pass a mosque or burst firecrackers nearby.
The policeman called the route a sensitive matter and said he would deal with the organisers if he saw the procession there.
BJP MP Yaduveer Wadiyar said public roads should be available for religious processions and called the restriction anti-Hindu.
BJP leader R Ashoka accused the Congress government of harassing people celebrating Ganeshotsava and demanded the policeman's suspension.
The BJP alleged similar restrictions in Maddur and Kolar, while claiming objections arise mainly when processions pass mosques.
- Who
- Mysuru police, organisers of a Lord Ganesha procession, and BJP leaders including Yaduveer Wadiyar and R Ashoka.
- What
- A policeman warned procession organisers not to pass a mosque or burst firecrackers nearby, prompting BJP criticism.
- Where
- The incident occurred in the T Narasipur neighbourhood of Mysuru, Karnataka.
- When
- The remarks were reported after a video went viral; R Ashoka discussed the issue today, according to the article.
- Why
- The policeman described the route as sensitive, while BJP leaders said the restrictions unfairly interfere with Hindu celebrations.
Police Restrictions
BJP Criticism
Use of the mosque-adjacent route
Police Restrictions
The policeman warned organisers away from the route, describing the matter as sensitive and referring to possible disturbances.
BJP Criticism
BJP leaders said organisers should be able to use public roads and that others should not dictate where a procession can go.
Firecrackers and celebration
Police Restrictions
Police told organisers not to burst firecrackers on the procession route.
BJP Criticism
R Ashoka said restrictions on crackers, conch shells and public celebration were unjust and demanded the policeman's suspension.
Government responsibility
Police Restrictions
The police warning was presented as an effort to manage a sensitive situation and maintain order.
BJP Criticism
The BJP accused the Congress government of disrespecting Hindu traditions, following what it called fake Hindutva, and failing to act against those who create disturbances.
Key facts
- Location
- T Narasipur neighbourhood, Mysuru, Karnataka
- Event
- Lord Ganesha procession
- Police warning
- Organisers were told not to pass by a mosque or burst firecrackers on the route.
- Video
- A viral video recorded a policeman describing the matter as sensitive.
- BJP response
- Yaduveer Wadiyar called the suggestion anti-Hindu and said public roads are open to everyone.
- Further allegation
- R Ashoka alleged similar restrictions in Maddur and Kolar.
- Political dispute
- The BJP accused the Congress government of harassing Ganeshotsava celebrations.
Quotes
Unnamed Mysuru police officer
Police officer heard addressing Ganesha procession organisers in T Narasipur.
“If Hindus are being told that they cannot openly and devotionally celebrate Ganeshotsava in their own country, what should we tell this government? Don't burst crackers, don't blow conch shells, don't speak - what kind of justice is this?”
NDTV
“You must not take that route. A festival must be like a festival that makes others respect you. But you will all go and burst crackers in front of the masjid. If I see it this time, I will deal with it.”
NDTV
Sources
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