BJP leaders have accused the police of threatening youths who were preparing to install a Ganapathi idol in T. Narasipur, a town in Mysuru district, during the Ganesha festival. In response, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the state government has instructed police to stay alert to any attempts by the BJP to use anti‑social elements and to prevent a conspiracy that could disturb public peace.
Shivakumar warned that the opposition’s leader in the Legislative Assembly, R. Ashok, was attempting to inflame communal emotions. He urged that the festival be observed peacefully, that discipline be maintained during processions, and that precautions be taken to protect electricity poles and cables. The CM also criticized Ashok’s accusations that the government had imposed restrictions on the festival and demanded the suspension of a police inspector for allegedly threatening the youth.
Ashok countered that the police had misused their position by threatening youngsters not to approach a mosque, burst crackers, dance or hold a silent procession, and said such threats could spread to other parts of the state if unchecked. He also referred to the Congress as “anti‑Hindu” and noted that even the British had not restricted the Ganesha festival, while Union Minister Pralhad Joshi had been asked to take action against the official.
The CM dismissed Ashok’s visit to T. Narasipur as an attempt to create unnecessary trouble, calling his statements lies that serve the BJP. He reminded that the festival is a tradition started by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak and that the state had declared a holiday to encourage its celebration. Home Minister Priyank Kharge added that the BJP was trying to turn a police directive into a communal issue, and police had directed the procession to follow a specified route as a precaution. Shivakumar reaffirmed that the government would not misuse power to restrict BJP meetings, stating that the party could hold functions anywhere within the bounds of the law.
