Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said Ganeshotsava celebrations would not be restricted in the state, while Mysuru police clarified that traditional procession routes in T Narasipura remain open, following allegations by the BJP that authorities were imposing curbs on festivities.
Shivakumar said organisers would have to follow established procedures, including ensuring that overhead poles and wires were accounted for and submitting the required documents. He said the government had instructed the police to remain alert to attempts to create unrest.
“There is an attempt being made simply to create unrest. We are also aware that a big conspiracy is going on. So, we have told our police to be alert. We are not threatening anybody,” Shivakumar told reporters in Bengaluru.
His comments came after R Ashoka, the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, accused the Congress government of harassing people over Ganeshotsava celebrations. Ashoka alleged that police in T Narasipura had asked devotees not to take processions in front of mosques, burst firecrackers or dance.
Ashoka demanded action against the police officer concerned and said similar restrictions had allegedly been imposed in Maddur and Kolar. He also claimed that organisers were being required to obtain permissions from multiple departments and offices before installing idols and conducting processions.
“Permission is required at four places, five places. Then there is corruption and harassment,” Ashoka alleged. He said the celebrations would continue despite what he described as government harassment.
Shivakumar rejected the suggestion that Ganeshotsava belonged to any political party. “Ganesh is not anybody’s property. It is not the BJP’s property. It belongs to everyone,” he said. He added that the government had declared a holiday for the festival and was encouraging celebrations.
Mysuru Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi said there was no restriction on traditional Ganesh procession routes in T Narasipura. He said routes used during the previous year could be followed again and that police had not introduced any new practice for the current celebrations.
“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 police have directed stations to hold peace meetings and asked organisers to submit details of idol locations, procession and immersion dates, and routes. The information is intended to help the police make security arrangements and coordinate movement during the festivities.
Baladandi said the immediate issue arose after an organiser conducted an idol procession the previous year without informing the police or seeking security arrangements. The police position, as stated by the SP, is that organisers can use established routes provided the administration receives the information needed for security planning.
The dispute therefore centres on how permissions, route information, safety requirements and police protection are being managed during public processions. The Karnataka government and local police authorities have said celebrations can proceed, subject to the prescribed procedures and security coordination.
