What Happened During Ganesh Visarjan Violence in Karnataka?

In Mandya, Karnataka, on September 10, a delegation from the BJP convened with the local district administration in Maddur to gather insights into the violence that erupted during the Ganesh Visarjan on Sunday night, along with related incidents. The BJP has called for a judicial inquiry into the situation.

During the meeting, Mandya's Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kumar and Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandin briefed the party leaders about the events.

Prominent figures present included BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, Opposition Leaders R. Ashoka and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, along with BJP MP Yaduveer Wadiyar.

After the discussions, Vijayendra remarked, 'The Mandya SP has shared comprehensive details of the incident. Officers indicated that some individuals exhibited goonda behavior and expressed hostility towards Hindus entering their area. The agitation among women in Mandya is alarming and highlights the extent of these negative forces.'

'Historically, women have not protested in this manner. While the ganja cartel flourishes, women are unable to move freely in areas like Maddur, revealing the presence of anti-national elements. We have thoroughly discussed this issue, and we will not let it rest here,' Vijayendra emphasized.

'The government should have intervened when stones were amassed inside the mosque. Instead, they are now accusing the BJP. Let CM Siddaramaiah hold any opinion he wishes; we will align with Hindu activists. The government must enforce the Goonda Act against those who threw stones from the mosque and penalize them. FIRs have been filed against Hindu women, and Hindu activists face harassment. This situation arose due to police negligence,' he asserted.

Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the Legislative Council's Opposition Leader, noted that authorities acknowledged the stone-pelting originated from the mosque.

'Officials informed us that the disturbances began with Muslim youth throwing stones. They admitted it was a mistake to launch stones from the mosque,' Narayanaswamy stated.

'Subsequently, police stated they had to use lathicharge to manage the situation, despite Hindu activists being uninvolved in any violence. The district administration conceded that errors were made on their part. Nevertheless, the District In-Charge Minister, CM, and Home Minister are attributing the incident to BJP and JD(S) leaders,' he explained.

'Historically, there has never been a Hindu-Muslim conflict in Maddur. The government must recognize that appeasement politics have escalated tensions. If this trend continues and Hindu activists are targeted, we will neither remain passive nor accept it,' he warned.

BJP MLC C.T. Ravi pointed out that during the Ganesh Visarjan procession, the mosque's loudspeakers were muted. 'If Muslims are prohibited from entering Hindu neighborhoods, where are they expected to go? Turning off loudspeakers near the mosque was a mistake. Limiting musical instruments is also inappropriate. Despite this, music was halted, the procession advanced, and suddenly the lights were extinguished, leading to stone-pelting. Who is responsible for this?' he questioned.

R. Ashoka responded to Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar's comments that BJP leaders only foster rivalry and hatred.

'They should travel to Delhi and secure funds for the state. They should obtain the necessary permissions for the Mekedatu and Mahadayi projects from the Centre,' D.K. Shivakumar had asserted.

R. Ashoka countered that Congress leaders had been inactive for five years prior to regaining power. 'They will only govern Karnataka for two years. They can make any statements they wish; after two years, the BJP-led government will return to power, and we will assign tasks to the Congress leaders.'