Bengaluru: Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, on Thursday criticised the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, alleging a breakdown in law and order after violent clashes during a Ganesh idol procession in Mandya district. Ashoka claimed that the violence was the result of the state’s ‘appeasement politics’.

The comments follow an incident in Nagamangala, Mandya, where tensions erupted between two groups during the Ganesh Visarjan procession. According to Ashoka, the attack was led by a “violent Muslim mob” and involved hurling stones, brandishing swords, and even using crude bombs.

Allegations on Social Media
Ashoka took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to vent his outrage, questioning whether Karnataka is turning into a lawless state. “Emboldened by the appeasement politics of @INCKarnataka Govt, a violent Muslim mob brutally attacked the Ganesh Visarjan Procession in Nagamangala last night,” he posted, asking if Karnataka is becoming akin to “Taliban.”

He went on to mention previous controversial incidents, including pro-Pakistan slogans raised in the Vidhan Soudha and a bomb blast in Rameshwaram Café, asserting these were examples of how the Congress government has allowed anti-national elements to take hold of the state.

Criticism of Congress Government
The Opposition leader accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar of playing “appeasement politics,” which he claims has led to an emboldening of anti-national elements. “The Congress Government will pay a huge price for this attack on Hindus,” Ashoka warned, while tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in his post.

Ashoka’s post came as part of growing political tension, with BJP members alleging that the Congress government is favouring minority communities, which they argue is creating unrest in the state.

The Mandya Clashes
The incident occurred in Nagamangala town when a Ganesh Visarjan procession, organised by devotees from Badarikoppalu village, passed a local place of worship. Police reports indicated that an argument broke out between two groups, leading to stone-pelting and escalating violence. Several shops were vandalised, and vehicles were set ablaze during the clashes.

The police have since brought the situation under control, and additional forces have been deployed to the violence-hit area to maintain peace. The town remains under prohibitory orders until September 14, with authorities arresting 46 individuals in connection with the violence.

Government Response and Precautionary Measures
The Congress government, on its part, has been silent in the immediate aftermath of the incident, while BJP leaders have been vocal in condemning the clashes. Police officials have emphasised that the situation is stabilising, and stringent measures have been put in place to prevent further violence.

Local authorities have issued prohibitory orders, banning large gatherings in Nagamangala town, while additional police forces are on alert to avoid any flare-ups. So far, there is no official statement from the Congress government addressing the allegations made by the opposition.

Broader Implications of the Clashes
The clashes in Mandya have sparked political debates about the handling of communal tensions in Karnataka. The BJP has often accused the Congress of favouring minority groups, a charge that Congress leaders have denied, insisting they are working for the welfare of all citizens.

Opposition leaders like R Ashoka are using this incident to raise concerns about the state’s security and the impact of alleged ‘appeasement’ politics on law and order. With the Karnataka government facing increasing pressure over communal issues, the Mandya clashes may have broader political ramifications in the coming months.

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