T. Narasipur: Tension prevailed in T. Narasipur on Sunday following a dispute over warnings issued by Circle Police Inspector Dhananjaya to organisers of the Ganesha festival regarding idol installation and the immersion procession. The controversy led to protests by BJP leaders and Hindu organisations, as well as a counter-protest by Dalit Sangharsh Samiti members outside the police station.
BJP leaders arrive at police station
The T. Narasipur Police Station witnessed high drama as Opposition Leader in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka arrived at the spot along with Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and former MP Prathap Simha.
Thousands of Hindu activists and BJP supporters reportedly gathered outside the police station. Party workers raised slogans in support of the BJP leaders, while activists of Hindu organisations staged a demonstration over the issue.
As part of the protest, some demonstrators carried Ganesha idols on their heads. Saffron flags were also displayed outside the police station, adding to the charged atmosphere.
With a large crowd gathering in the town, additional police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident.
Controversy follows viral video
The developments came after a video of Inspector Dhananjaya’s remarks to Ganesha festival organisers went viral.
Former MP Prathap Simha had criticised the police over the reported warnings and questioned restrictions relating to the installation of Ganesha idols and the immersion procession.
The controversy subsequently drew BJP leaders and Hindu organisations to the police station, where they demanded clarification over the instructions issued to festival organisers.
The issue also triggered a separate protest by members of the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti. The group raised slogans against Prathap Simha, while his supporters gathered nearby and responded with counter-slogans.
Mysuru SP clarifies police position
Mysuru District Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi later clarified the circumstances behind the Inspector’s warnings.
According to Baladandi, the T. Narasipur Police Inspector had not been informed in advance about the large Ganesha procession held last year. Against this backdrop, the Inspector had reminded organisers this year that the police should be informed before taking out a procession.
The SP clarified that there had been no change in the existing arrangements or the permitted route for the procession.
He said organisers were required only to provide prior information to the police. The procession continues to have permission to proceed along the link road, as in previous years.
The clarification sought to put to rest concerns that the police had imposed a new restriction on the traditional procession route.
Police deploy additional forces
The gathering at the police station prompted the police to strengthen security arrangements in T. Narasipur.
The deployment was aimed at preventing clashes between groups involved in the protests and maintaining public order amid heightened emotions surrounding the festival.
The situation remained tense as political leaders, Hindu organisations and Dalit groups assembled at the same location over different aspects of the controversy.
Focus now on peaceful festival celebrations
The dispute has highlighted the importance of coordination between festival organisers and the police before religious processions are conducted.
While political leaders and organisations have raised objections over the Inspector’s remarks, the district police have maintained that the existing procession route and arrangements have not been changed.
The SP’s clarification indicates that the immediate requirement is for organisers to inform the police in advance about the procession so that adequate security arrangements can be made.
With Ganesha festival celebrations underway, authorities are expected to focus on maintaining peace and ensuring that processions are conducted without disruption.