Amid BJP leaders accusing the police of threatening youth who were preparing to install a Ganapathi idol in T. Narasipur in Mysuru district, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday said that the State government has asked the police to remain alert regarding the BJP using anti-social elements, and alleged that there was a conspiracy to disturb peace in society.
“He (Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok) is trying to incite communal emotions. The Ganesha festival has to be observed peacefully. Discipline has to be maintained during the procession. Precaution has to be taken about electricity poles and cables,” Mr. Shivakumar told reporters here.
The Chief Minister was responding to allegations by Mr. Ashok, who accused the government of imposing several restrictions and of not allowing people to celebrate the Ganesha festival in peace. He has demanded suspension of the jurisdictional police inspector for allegedly threatening the youth in T. Narasipur.
Earlier, terming the Congress “anti-Hindu”, Mr. Ashok said: “Even the British did not restrict the Ganesha festival. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has also sought action against the official.”
On the Leader of Opposition’s visit to T. Narasipur, Mr. Shivakumar said: “Let him go wherever he wants to. Lies are the deities for the BJP. Why is he going to the (T. Narasipur) police station? He is trying to create an unnecessary issue. He has served as the Home Minister, let him understand his limits.” He added, “Let them do what they want. Lord Ganesha is not their property. It (Ganesha festival) is a tradition started by (freedom fighter) Bal Gangadhar Tilak. We are encouraging the festival by declaring a holiday.”
Mr. Ashok said that people of all age groups celebrated the Ganesha festival, which was seen as a symbol of devotion and unity. “The police inspector has misused his position by threatening the youth not to go in front of the mosque, burst crackers, dance, or take out a silent procession. He has threatened to teach the youth a lesson if the instructions are not adhered to. Threats by the police will spread to other parts of the State if it is not reigned in.”
Meanwhile, stating that there is no compromise in maintaining law and order and restraining communal violence in the State, Home Minister Priyank Kharge accused the BJP of trying to divert a police directive into a communal issue. As a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident, the police have directed the Ganapathi procession to stick to the route map, he pointed out.
Not misusing power
The Chief Minister refuted the claim that the government was restricting the meetings of the BJP. Stating that they would not misuse power by imposing restrictions, Mr. Shivakumar said: “They can hold meetings wherever they want, but within the ambit of law. The BJP State president (B.Y. Vijayendra) is unnecessarily giving false statements. They can say and do whatever within the law. I have asked (officials) to provide permission on whichever grounds they (BJP) want to hold their functions. We will not impose restrictions by misusing power. That is not our style of functioning.”
