BJP hits out at Karnataka Govt over T. Narasipura Ganesh procession row

Prashanth alleged that incidents of stone-pelting during religious processions had increased since the Congress came to power and claimed that the government was failing to act firmly against those responsible. He accused the ruling party of pursuing “vote-bank politics” and questioned the authority of the police to restrict a Ganesh procession from taking a particular route.

The controversy erupted after a video of T. Narasipura Police Inspector Dhananjaya addressing Ganesh festival organisers circulated widely. The officer advised organisers to follow approved routes and warned against stopping near a mosque to burst crackers or engage in activities that could disturb communal harmony. He also issued instructions concerning loudspeakers, timings and immersion arrangements.

The Mysuru Superintendent of Police has clarified that traditional Ganesh procession routes have not been banned, saying organisers only need to follow law-and-order and safety guidelines.

Home Minister Priyank Kharge has also urged people to cooperate with police personnel deployed for festival arrangements, saying the government would not compromise on maintaining peace.

Prashanth also criticised Kharge over his comments on the BRICS Summit, alleging that the minister was more interested in attacking the BJP and RSS than addressing issues concerning his own constituency, Kalaburagi. He claimed that discussions over the summit menu only showed the success of the BRICS meeting under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

His remarks add to an increasingly charged political exchange in Karnataka as authorities attempt to balance large-scale Ganesh celebrations with public safety and communal harmony.