Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Karnataka BJP Accuses Congress Government of Harassing Ganeshotsava Celebrations
R Ashoka, a BJP leader in Karnataka, said the state government was making it difficult for people to celebrate Ganeshotsava.
He alleged that police were limiting processions, fireworks, loudspeakers and dancing.
He also referred to a video in which a police officer allegedly threatened festival organisers in T Narasipur.
Ashoka demanded that Chief Minister D K Shivakumar suspend the officer.
He said organisers had to obtain permissions from several departments.
He accused the Congress government of treating Hindu celebrations unfairly.
The government’s response to these allegations was not included in the report.
Ashoka said he would continue supporting celebrations across Karnataka.
BJP leader R Ashoka accused Karnataka’s Congress government of harassing Ganeshotsava organisers.
Ashoka alleged police were restricting processions, crackers, loudspeakers and public celebrations.
He demanded the suspension of an officer in T Narasipur over alleged threats.
Ashoka said organisers faced multiple permissions and alleged corruption and harassment.
He announced plans to visit T Narasipur and other areas if celebrations faced problems.
- Who
- Karnataka BJP leader and Assembly Opposition Leader R Ashoka made the allegations against the Congress government.
- What
- Ashoka accused the government and police of restricting and harassing Ganeshotsava celebrations and demanded action against a T Narasipur police officer.
- When
- The allegations were made on Sunday; the report does not specify the date.
- Where
- The accusations concerned Karnataka, including T Narasipur, Maddur and Kolar; Ashoka spoke at a press conference in Bengaluru.
- Why
- Ashoka said restrictions on processions, loudspeakers, fireworks and permissions were unfair and that police should protect devotees.
BJP allegations
Government and policing perspective
Festival restrictions
BJP allegations
R Ashoka said the Congress government was unfairly restricting Ganeshotsava processions, fireworks, loudspeakers and other celebrations.
Government and policing perspective
The report describes restrictions attributed to police but does not include a response from the Congress government or explain their stated justification.
Police conduct
BJP allegations
Ashoka said police should protect devotees and demanded the suspension of an officer accused of threatening organisers in T Narasipur.
Government and policing perspective
The alleged officer’s response and the government’s position on the video were not reported.
Equal enforcement
BJP allegations
Ashoka alleged that restrictions on loudspeakers and processions were not applied equally near mosques and other places of worship.
Government and policing perspective
No government response or independent verification of differing enforcement was included in the article.
- Accuser
- R Ashoka, Karnataka BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly
- Target of allegations
- The Congress government in Karnataka
- Main location
- T Narasipur, where a police officer was allegedly recorded threatening organisers
- Alleged restrictions
- Limits on processions near mosques, crackers, dancing, loudspeakers and other celebrations
- Administrative complaint
- Ashoka alleged organisers needed permissions from four or five offices or departments
- Requested action
- Suspension of the T Narasipur police officer by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar
- Planned response
- Ashoka said he would visit T Narasipur and other locations facing celebration-related problems