BENGALURU, 20 AUG

BJP MLAs, particularly from the coastal districts, on Wednesday alleged in the Assembly that police were causing “trouble” during Hindu festivals and traditional events by citing violations of rules relating to sound systems and timings. They urged the government to issue directions to officials to prevent such "disruptions" ahead of Ganeshotsava and Navaratri celebrations.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, BJP MLA Vedavyas Kamath said Dakshina Kannada has several religious sites where traditional events such as Yakshagana, Kola, Nemotsava and Rathotsavas are held, along with Krishna Janmashtami, Ganeshotsava and Navaratri.

He claimed that during the recent Janmashtami, police seized sound systems at multiple locations, citing noise levels above 40–50 decibels, and filed cases against both organisers and equipment owners.

According to police, no religious events can be held after 10pm, citing government and court orders. The MLA alleged that after Congress government came to power, "issues have arisen over holding Hindu religious events."

Speaker UT Khader intervened, saying, "There is tradition on one side and law on the other. Most religious events, irrespective of caste or religion, are held at night in Dakshina Kannada."

BJP MLA Bharath Shetty claimed that police restrictions were causing “mental stress” to public representatives.