Mysuru SP Says No Restrictions on Traditional Ganesh Procession Routes
His remarks came hours after Ashoka alleged that devotees in T Narasipura had been told not to take processions in front of mosques, burst crackers or dance, and demanded action against the police officer concerned
Mysuru: Mysuru Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi on Sunday said there were no restrictions on traditional routes for Ganesh processions in T Narasipura, amid a row over alleged curbs on the festival celebrations.
His clarification came after Karnataka Leader of Opposition R Ashoka accused the Congress government of "harassing" people over Ganeshotsava celebrations and alleged that a police officer in T Narasipura had threatened organisers and imposed restrictions on processions.
He even announced going to T Narasipura to ensure that Hindus celebrate Ganesha festival with religious fervour without any curbs.
"Whatever Ganesh processions went where last year and whatever routes they followed, there is no restriction of any kind on following the same routes this year," Baladandi said.
The SP said police had directed all stations to conduct peace meetings as part of preparations for the festival. He said a peace meeting was held by the Inspector in T Narasipura town on September 7, during which organisers were asked to provide details of the locations of Ganesh idols, procession and immersion dates and routes.
Baladandi said the clarification was made in the context of an incident last year when a Ganesh Mandali took out an idol without informing the police or requesting security arrangements.
"Last year, they went without informing us and suddenly proceeded. It was while telling them, 'Don't do that this time,' that this issue arose," he said.
He said T Narasipur town has around 15 to 20 Ganesh pandals, with immersions taking place on different days, and maintained that organisers could follow the routes traditionally used by them.
"There is no problem in going to the same places they went to last year. There is no restriction. We are not introducing any new practice this year," the SP said.
Baladandi also rejected the suggestion that police had assumed that devotees would burst crackers near a mosque.
"It was not an assumption. I told you that this happened last year. This was not said based on an assumption," he said, adding that organisers had been asked to inform police in advance so that necessary security arrangements could be made.
His remarks came hours after Ashoka alleged that devotees in T Narasipura had been told not to take processions in front of mosques, burst crackers or dance, and demanded action against the police officer concerned.
The BJP leader had also alleged that similar restrictions were being imposed elsewhere in Karnataka and accused the Congress government of adopting a "one-sided" approach towards Ganeshotsava celebrations.
