Karnataka LoP calls DK Shivakumar election Hindu, claims Ganeshotsava curbs by govt

Karnataka BJP leader and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka on Sunday accused the Congress government of "harassing" people across the state during Ganeshotsava celebrations. He alleged that police were imposing restrictions on processions while failing to act against those creating disturbances.

At a press conference in Bengaluru, Ashoka also demanded the immediate suspension of a police officer in T Narasipur, alleging that the officer had threatened Ganeshotsava organisers. He said the government was taking a "one-sided" approach to the festival and claimed that similar restrictions had been reported from other places in the state.

"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, he 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 that showed 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 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," he said.

Ashoka alleged that similar restrictions had been imposed in places including Maddur and Kolar. He 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.

He also accused the government of forcing organisers to seek multiple permissions to install Ganesh idols and hold processions. "Permission is required at four places, five places. Then there is corruption and harassment," he alleged.

Ashoka further accused the government of following "fake Hindutva" and called Shivakumar an "election Hindu", alleging that he 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 act against the police officer.

Ashoka 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.

He said he would travel to T Narasipur to demand action over the alleged police behaviour and described the matter 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.

Further attacking the government, Ashoka alleged that devotees were being threatened instead of being given security. "Calling devotees who are celebrating Ganeshotsava and displaying goondaism towards them -- this is the model of this government," he said.

He said Ganeshotsava had been celebrated for thousands of years and referred to 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, adding that he was ready to visit any place in Karnataka if authorities created problems for Ganapati celebrations.