Bengaluru, 13 September

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said Ganeshotsava would be celebrated peacefully in the state and asserted that his government would not restrict the festivities, amid BJP allegations that police were imposing curbs on processions.

His remarks came after Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka accused the Congress government of “harassing” people over Ganeshotsava celebrations and alleged that police were imposing restrictions on processions.

“Now, we have to celebrate the Ganesh festival very peacefully. If any procedure has to be followed, the overhead poles, wires, discipline, all documents — everything should be in place. The procedure has to be followed,” Shivakumar told reporters here.

“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,” he said.

The CM alleged, "The BJP is using anti-social elements a little more. We are aware of all that as well. Let them do whatever they want."

Ashoka alleged that a police officer has asked devotees in T Narasipura not to take processions in front of mosques, burst crackers or dance. He demanded immediate action against the officer concerned.

“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?” he said.

Ashoka claimed that similar restrictions had been imposed in places including Maddur and Kolar and questioned why Ganesh processions faced objections near mosques.

“Police are supposed to provide protection. If they are capable of providing protection, their job is to provide protection,” Ashoka said.

According to him, organisers were being made to obtain permissions from multiple departments and offices for installing idols and taking out processions.

“Permission is required at four places, five places. Then there is corruption and harassment,” he alleged.

Ashoka said Ganeshotsava celebrations would continue despite what he described as harassment by the government.

“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.

Shivakumar, however, said the festival did not belong to any particular political party.

“Ganesh is not anybody's property. It is not the BJP's property. It belongs to everyone,” he said, adding that the government had given a holiday for the festival and was encouraging its celebrations.

Meanwhile, Mysuru Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi said there were no restrictions on traditional routes for Ganesh processions in T Narasipura.

“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 SP said police had directed all stations to conduct peace meetings as part of preparations for the festival and asked organisers to provide details of idol locations, procession and immersion dates and routes to facilitate security arrangements.

“There is no problem in going to the same places they went to last year. There is no restriction. We are not introducing any new practice this year,” he said.

Baladandi said the issue arose after an organiser had taken out an idol procession last year without informing police or seeking security arrangements.