What Happened During the Ganesh Visarjan Event in Karnataka's Maddur?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Massive turnout for Ganesh Visarjan in Maddur.
- Heightened security measures were implemented due to previous violence.
- Local leaders voiced concerns about law and order and government accountability.
- Over 2,000 police officers were deployed to ensure safety.
- Significant cultural and political implications for the community.
Mandya (Karnataka), Sep 10 (NationPress) Thousands gathered for the Ganesh Visarjan ceremony in Maddur, located in the Mandya district, on Wednesday. Hindu organizations opted to immerse 28 Ganesh idols simultaneously, a decision made in light of a recent stone pelting incident that occurred during the Ganesh Visarjan procession on Sunday night.
The accused reportedly engaged in stone pelting from the mosque, prompting authorities to implement stringent security measures around the area. The police deployed 500 officers near the mosque, accompanied by platoons from the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to ensure the peace during the procession.
In total, over 2,000 police personnel were assigned throughout Maddur to uphold law and order. Before the procession began, BJP leaders addressed the large crowd, with the Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, remarking, "The Ganesh festival is celebrated once a year, and no one questions daily prayers. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah shows favoritism toward certain groups, and should be held accountable."
Ashoka further criticized the Congress-led government, claiming, "Karnataka's law and order has deteriorated. The local MLA is absent and fails to address the community's concerns. The mosque associated with the stone pelting is on government land, and the situation is unsettling for residents from various states. Today stones, tomorrow bombs - this is how the Taliban-like environment is forming in our state."
BJP MLA C.T. Ravi stirred controversy with statements emphasizing resistance to historical figures and asserting that Hinduism has existed for millennia. He added, "Those who sympathize with enemies of the state should leave. We will not tolerate attacks on our processions."
BJP leader Sumalatha Ambareesh warned that if the government does not act against those responsible for the stone pelting, the public will respond in kind.