Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar asks police to stay alert amid BJP threat over Ganesh procession

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has asked the police to remain on high alert after the Opposition BJP threatened to storm a police station in T Narasipur near Mysuru over restrictions on a Ganesh Chaturthi procession.

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations will begin in Karnataka on Monday. Shivakumar told the media on Sunday that the BJP was attempting to foment trouble and disturb peace by using anti-social elements during the festivities.

The CM’s remarks came amid a war of words between Opposition leader R Ashoka and Home Minister Priyank Kharge over the procession in T Narasipur. A video clip of local police personnel asking a group to stick to the permitted route and avoid the road passing in front of a mosque triggered protests from BJP leaders.

Shivakumar said the government was taking steps to ensure peaceful celebrations and urged citizens to maintain discipline during idol processions.

“Lord Ganesh is not the property of the BJP. We are encouraging celebrations by declaring a holiday,” he said.

Shivakumar also questioned the propriety of the Opposition leader threatening to storm a police station, pointing out that Ashoka had earlier served as home minister.

Ashoka, however, accused the police of threatening the festival committee and imposing restrictions on the procession, including not allowing it to pass in front of the mosque, burst crackers or dance, and asking participants to proceed silently.

“It is the duty of the police to protect law and order. But issuing threats in a manner that restricts the practice of one religion is unacceptable under any circumstances,” Ashoka said.

Kharge said the government would not compromise on maintaining law and order and would not tolerate Ashoka’s “arrogance and abuses” against the police over efforts to prevent communal conflicts in the state.