Mysuru: Mysuru district in-charge minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Wednesday accused the BJP of seeking political mileage from communal clashes, amid a controversy over restrictions on a Ganesha procession in T Narasipura.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Yathindra alleged that BJP leaders were interested in incidents of communal tension because such incidents could provide political opportunities. His remarks came after BJP leaders and workers protested against alleged restrictions imposed on a Ganesha procession and demanded action against T Narasipura police inspector Dhananjaya.

Yathindra also questioned the practice of bursting firecrackers near places of worship and defended the police inspector, saying that restrictions intended to prevent possible confrontations should not be viewed as opposition to religious celebrations.

Ganesha procession row triggers political exchange

The controversy centres on a Ganesha procession in T Narasipura and alleged restrictions concerning its route and celebrations near a mosque on Link Road.

According to reports, Inspector Dhananjaya had warned organisers against bursting crackers near the mosque and had referred to the sensitive nature of the area. His remarks subsequently became the subject of criticism from BJP leaders, who accused the police of restricting religious celebrations.

BJP leaders and workers later held a protest over the issue. The demonstration was led by Karnataka Assembly Leader of Opposition R Ashoka and Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, according to an ANI report.

The BJP’s position, as reported, was that the police had imposed restrictions on the procession route, loudspeaker use and celebrations close to religious places.

The dispute has consequently developed into a political exchange between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP.

Yathindra questions bursting of crackers near religious places

Yathindra defended Inspector Dhananjaya and questioned why crackers should be burst specifically in front of a place of worship.

He said that restrictions should apply irrespective of the religion associated with the place of worship, arguing that bursting crackers near a mosque, church or temple could create tension.

The minister also referred to a previous procession that had reportedly passed through the same road without permission and said that police intervention was intended to prevent any untoward incident.

His comments were made in the context of the ongoing dispute over the procession and the inspector’s remarks. Other reports have similarly quoted him as saying that the inspector had acted in response to the sensitivity of the situation.

BJP accused of politicising the issue

Yathindra alleged that the BJP was politicising the controversy surrounding the Ganesha procession.

He questioned the opposition’s focus on the issue and accused BJP leaders of attempting to use communal tensions for political benefit. These are Yathindra’s allegations, and the BJP has disputed the government’s handling of the procession-related issue.

The minister’s comments have added to the political debate surrounding the incident, with both sides presenting different interpretations of the police restrictions and the subsequent protest.

The controversy comes during the Ganeshotsav period, when processions and public celebrations are being held in different parts of Karnataka.

Minister speaks about family’s new Mysuru house

Yathindra also spoke about the new residence constructed by his family in Mysuru.

He said the house was built according to his mother B M Parvathi’s wish to settle in the city. According to Yathindra, the entire plan for the new house was based on his mother’s wishes.

He said the family had constructed two houses earlier but did not stay in either of them even for a day and eventually had to sell both houses due to circumstances.

The family has now constructed a new residence in Mysuru. Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family held a private housewarming ceremony at the newly built residence earlier this week. Reports said the ceremony was conducted with family members and traditional rituals.

Yathindra also said the family had requested his father, Siddaramaiah, to visit Mysuru at least once every week. He said the former chief minister had already begun visiting the city weekly.

Political debate continues

The statements on both the Ganesha procession and the new residence came as the T Narasipura controversy continued to generate political reactions.

The immediate dispute concerns the conditions imposed around the procession and the police inspector’s comments, while the broader political exchange has focused on allegations of politicisation and concerns about maintaining communal peace.

Yathindra has backed the police position and argued that precautions around religious places are necessary to avoid confrontations. The BJP, meanwhile, has criticised the restrictions and demanded action against the inspector.

Further developments are likely to depend on the administration’s handling of procession permissions and the response to the complaints raised over the inspector’s remarks.