Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Karnataka CM Says Ganeshotsava Peaceful Amid BJP Restriction Claims
Karnataka is preparing to celebrate Ganeshotsava, a festival honoring Lord Ganesha.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the festival should happen peacefully.
He said organisers must follow rules about permissions, safety, wires, poles and discipline.
Shivakumar also accused the BJP of using anti-social elements to create unrest.
BJP leader R Ashoka said police were making celebrations difficult in some places.
He claimed devotees were told not to take processions near mosques, burst crackers or dance.
He also said organisers had to seek permissions from several departments.
The Mysuru police chief denied that traditional routes in T Narasipura had been blocked.
Police said they needed procession details to arrange security.
D K Shivakumar said Karnataka would celebrate Ganeshotsava peacefully without government restrictions.
Shivakumar urged organisers to follow procedures covering documents, safety, overhead wires, poles and discipline.
R Ashoka accused the Congress government and police of harassing organisers and restricting processions.
Ashoka alleged curbs in T Narasipura, Maddur and Kolar, including restrictions near mosques.
Mysuru SP Mallikarjun Baladandi said traditional routes remained open and asked organisers to provide procession details.
- Who
- Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, BJP Leader of Opposition R Ashoka and Mysuru Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi.
- What
- A dispute over alleged restrictions, permissions and security arrangements for Ganeshotsava processions.
- When
- September 13; the year is not specified in the reports.
- Where
- Karnataka, including Bengaluru, T Narasipura, Maddur and Kolar.
- Why
- The government cited safety, discipline and security preparations, while the BJP alleged harassment and restrictions on religious celebrations.
Government and Police Position
BJP Allegations
Whether celebrations are restricted
Government and Police Position
D K Shivakumar said the government would not restrict Ganeshotsava, while Mallikarjun Baladandi said traditional procession routes in T Narasipura remained open.
BJP Allegations
R Ashoka alleged that police were restricting processions and harassing people celebrating Ganeshotsava.
Purpose of permissions and procedures
Government and Police Position
The government and police said organisers should follow procedures and provide details so safety and security arrangements could be made.
BJP Allegations
Ashoka said organisers were being sent to multiple departments for permissions, creating harassment and opportunities for corruption.
Processions near mosques
Government and Police Position
Baladandi said there was no restriction on routes used in previous years and said the issue arose after an organiser had not informed police or sought security arrangements.
BJP Allegations
Ashoka alleged that devotees were told not to take processions near mosques, burst crackers or dance, and demanded action against the officer involved.
- Festival
- Ganeshotsava
- State
- Karnataka
- Government position
- The festival will be celebrated peacefully, with organisers required to follow procedures and safety measures.
- BJP allegations
- R Ashoka alleged that police restricted processions, prohibited certain activities and subjected organisers to harassment.
- Police clarification
- Mysuru SP Mallikarjun Baladandi said traditional Ganesh procession routes in T Narasipura were not restricted.
- Security preparations
- Police asked organisers to provide idol locations, procession and immersion dates, and routes.
- Reported locations of alleged restrictions
- T Narasipura, Maddur and Kolar
