DK Shivakumar Rejects BJP’s Ganesh Festival Curbs Charge, Accuses Party of Trying to Stoke Communal Tensions
Bengaluru, September 13: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday rejected the BJP’s allegations that the Karnataka government was imposing restrictions on Ganesh festival celebrations, accusing the opposition party instead of attempting to provoke communal tensions and create unrest in society.
Responding to media questions at the KPCC office, Shivakumar said police had been instructed to remain vigilant against attempts to disturb peace and to ensure that Ganesh festivities and processions were conducted peacefully.
“There is a conspiracy to create unrest in society and the BJP is using anti-social elements. We have therefore instructed the police to remain alert,” Shivakumar alleged.
His remarks came in response to Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka’s charge that the government had imposed several restrictions on Ganesh festival celebrations.
Shivakumar accused Ashoka and the BJP of giving the issue a communal colour. He said Ganesh festivities should be celebrated peacefully and that discipline should be maintained during processions, including taking precautions around electricity poles and overhead wires.
“Ganesh is not the property of the BJP,” Shivakumar said, adding that the tradition of public Ganesh celebrations associated with Bal Gangadhar Tilak had continued over the years. He said the government was encouraging the festival and had provided a holiday for its celebration.
Asked about Ashoka visiting the T Narasipura police station in Mysuru district, Shivakumar accused the BJP of trying to create an issue where none existed.
He said Ashoka, having previously served as Home Minister, should understand the limits within which such matters should be handled.
Shivakumar also rejected allegations by BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra that the government was unnecessarily restricting the opposition party’s activities.
He said the Congress government would not use its authority to prevent BJP meetings and that the opposition was free to hold political programmes anywhere within the framework of the law.
“We will not impose controls on BJP meetings. They can hold their political meetings wherever they want within the legal framework,” Shivakumar said.
He added that he had personally instructed authorities to grant permission when the BJP sought to hold programmes at public grounds.
“We will not misuse power to impose restrictions on anyone. That is not how we function,” Shivakumar said.
The Chief Minister maintained that the government’s instructions to police were aimed at preserving peace and ensuring orderly Ganesh celebrations rather than restricting the festival.
About the Author
