Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Mysuru SP Clarifies Traditional Ganesh Procession Routes Face No Restrictions
Police in Mysuru said people can use the same routes for Ganesh processions that they used last year.
The police said there are no new restrictions.
They asked organisers to share their plans so officers can arrange security.
A peace meeting was held in T Narasipura on September 7.
The police said a group had unexpectedly held a procession last year without informing them.
R Ashoka, a BJP leader, said devotees were being unfairly restricted.
He alleged that people were told not to process near mosques, burst crackers or dance.
The police denied imposing such route restrictions and said their instructions were about advance notice and security.
Mysuru SP Mallikarjun Baladandi said traditional Ganesh procession routes in T Narasipura face no restrictions.
He said organisers must inform police about idol locations, procession routes and immersion dates for security planning.
Baladandi said police held a peace meeting in T Narasipura on September 7.
R Ashoka accused the Congress government of harassing devotees and alleged curbs on processions, crackers and dancing near mosques.
The SP said the dispute followed a previous incident in which an organiser proceeded without informing police or seeking security.
- Who
- Mysuru Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi and Karnataka Leader of Opposition R Ashoka are the main figures involved.
- What
- A dispute over alleged restrictions on Ganesh processions in T Narasipura.
- When
- Baladandi issued his clarification on Sunday; a police peace meeting was held on September 7.
- Where
- T Narasipura, in Mysuru district, Karnataka.
- Why
- Police said advance information was needed to arrange security, while R Ashoka alleged that devotees were being subjected to festival restrictions.
Police clarification
R Ashoka's allegations
Traditional routes
Police clarification
Mallikarjun Baladandi said there is no restriction on using routes followed by Ganesh processions last year.
R Ashoka's allegations
R Ashoka alleged that a police officer in T Narasipura had threatened organisers and imposed restrictions on processions.
Festival activities
Police clarification
The SP said police instructions concerned advance information and security arrangements, citing an incident from the previous year.
R Ashoka's allegations
Ashoka alleged that devotees were told not to take processions in front of mosques, burst crackers or dance.
Government approach
Police clarification
Police said they were preparing for the festival through peace meetings and were not introducing new practices.
R Ashoka's allegations
Ashoka accused the Congress government of harassing people and adopting a one-sided approach toward Ganeshotsava celebrations.
- Police position
- Traditional procession routes used last year can still be followed.
- Location
- T Narasipura town, Mysuru district, Karnataka.
- Ganesh pandals
- The town has around 15 to 20 Ganesh pandals, according to the SP.
- Peace meeting
- Police held a meeting with organisers on September 7.
- Information requested
- Organisers were asked to provide idol locations, procession and immersion dates, and routes.
- Previous incident
- The SP said a Ganesh Mandali proceeded last year without informing police or requesting security.
- Political allegation
- R Ashoka alleged restrictions on processions, crackers and dancing near mosques.