Karnataka Govt ‘Harassing’ People Over Ganeshotsava Celebrations: BJP

Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP leader R Ashoka on Sunday accused the Congress government of "harassing" people across the state over the celebration of Ganeshotsava and alleged that police were imposing restrictions on processions while failing to act against those creating disturbances.

Addressing a press conference here, the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly alleged that the government was adopting a "one-sided" approach towards the festival and demanded immediate suspension of a police officer in T Narasipur for allegedly threatening Ganeshotsava organisers.

"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?" Ashoka said.

Referring to an alleged conversation involving a police officer in T Narasipur, Ashoka said devotees had been told not to take processions in front of mosques, burst crackers or dance and to conduct only silent processions.

The BJP leader was referring to a viral video showing a police officer purportedly warning members of a Ganesha Pooja Samiti, "If you don't do that, I will teach you a lesson. I will fix you."

Ashoka demanded that Chief Minister D K Shivakumar should suspend the officer.

"Police are supposed to provide protection. If they are capable of providing protection, their job is to provide protection," Ashoka said.

He alleged that similar restrictions had been imposed in places including Maddur and Kolar and questioned why Ganesh processions faced objections when they passed mosques while similar issues did not arise near churches, gurdwaras, Jain temples or Buddhist places of worship.

"If disturbances are being created only in these places, the Congress government should understand who the anti-social elements are," he said.

Ashoka also accused the government of imposing multiple permissions on organisers for installing Ganesh idols and conducting processions, saying they were being sent to different departments and offices.

"Permission is required at four places, five places. Then there is corruption and harassment," he alleged.

He accused the government of following "fake Hindutva" and called Shivakumar an "election Hindu", alleging that the Chief Minister visits temples and projects himself as a Hindu only during elections.

"If you are genuinely a Hindu, it's time to demonstrate," Ashoka said, challenging Shivakumar to take action against the police officer.

He also criticised restrictions on the use of loudspeakers during Ganeshotsava and alleged that similar restrictions were not being enforced against mosques.

"Apply democracy equally. Tell them not to use microphones in the same way as you tell us about it," he said.

Ashoka said he would travel to T Narasipur to demand action over the alleged police behaviour and described it as a "warning bell" for authorities across Karnataka.

"This is not just about T Narasipur. Wherever Ganapati celebrations are taking place across Karnataka, this is a warning bell to the police," he said.

He further accused the Congress government of following "Taliban-style" rule in the state, alleging that devotees were being threatened instead of being provided security.

"Calling devotees who are celebrating Ganeshotsava and displaying goondaism towards them -- this is the model of this government," Ashoka said.

He said Ganeshotsava had been celebrated for thousands of years and invoked Bal Gangadhar Tilak's role in popularising the festival during the freedom struggle.

"Ganapati festival is in every cell of our blood. No matter how much harassment the Congress government causes, we will celebrate Ganapati festival," he said.

Ashoka also said he would visit any place in Karnataka if authorities created problems for Ganapati celebrations.

"If you create any problem for Ganapati celebrations anywhere in the state, I am ready to come there. I will come," he said.