Is Ganesh Visarjan Violence an Alarm Bell for Peaceful Hindu Processions in K'taka?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Stone-pelting incidents during Ganesh Visarjan have raised alarms.
- The BJP claims Hindu festivals are not safe under the current government.
- Police have imposed prohibitory orders in Maddur.
- Reports of violence are emerging from multiple districts.
- The situation calls for urgent government intervention.
Bengaluru, Sep 8 (NationPress) In response to the stone-pelting incident during a Ganesh Visarjan procession in Maddur town of Mandya district, the Karnataka BJP unit expressed grave concerns on Monday, labeling the situation as highly alarming.
The BJP asserts that under the current administration, Hindu festivals are unable to be celebrated peacefully in the state.
During a press briefing, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra stated, "Since the Congress took power, they have fostered an environment where Hindu celebrations, including Ganapati festivities and processions, are marred by unrest. Reports from various regions such as Mandya, Dharwad, Bagalkote, and Hubli indicate that groups with extremist tendencies have been gathering and engaging in stone-pelting incidents during the Ganesh Visarjan processions."
He went on to detail the chaos in Maddur, where miscreants disrupted the atmosphere by hurling stones during the procession, resulting in injuries to both women and police officials, a situation he described as deeply alarming.
The BJP Karnataka vehemently condemns these actions. Reports also emerged from Sagara in Shivamogga district regarding the desecration of a Ganpati idol. Such violent actions perpetrated by extremist groups, disguised as representatives of a minority community, have instilled fear, particularly among Hindu women, according to Vijayendra.
"Should the government fail to adopt a rigorous stance on the Maddur and Sagara incidents and neglect to take strict action against these extremist offenders, the citizens of the state will respond appropriately to the Congress," he cautioned.
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka remarked that only Hindu processions face disruption in the state, while those of other communities remain unaffected.
"This situation has arisen due to the Congress-led administration in Karnataka, which previously dedicated their electoral victory to the Muslim community. The outcome is clear: this is an anti-Hindu government," Ashoka stated.
Tensions escalated in Maddur following the stone-pelting incident during the Ganesha procession.
The Karnataka Police enforced prohibitory orders in Maddur until Tuesday morning post-violence. However, on Monday, tensions flared as protestors gathered near the mosque in Ram Rahim Nagar, where the incident occurred, leading to a police baton-charge.