Heavy security has been deployed across T. Narasipur town in Mysuru district, Karnataka, on Monday, 14 September 2026, after a controversial video of a local police inspector warning youths against taking a Ganesh procession in front of a mosque went viral, triggering a sharp political standoff between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the state's Congress government.

The Inspector's Remarks and the Viral Video

Police Inspector Dhananjay, attached to the T. Narasipur police station, came under intense scrutiny after a purported video of him addressing local youths began circulating widely on social media. In the clip, the inspector is reportedly heard cautioning youths against causing disturbances during the installation, celebration, and procession of the Ganesh idol, and allegedly questioned their conduct specifically when the route passed the area around a mosque.

The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, but its circulation was enough to set off a political firestorm ahead of the Ganesh festival. This is the latest in a series of communally sensitive incidents in Karnataka that have drawn national political attention in recent years.

BJP Protest and Political Escalation

The footage prompted swift condemnation from BJP leaders and Hindu organisations, who accused the ruling Congress government of practicing appeasement politics and demanded immediate disciplinary action against Inspector Dhananjay — either his suspension or transfer.

The BJP, led by Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka, staged a demonstration at T. Narasipur on Sunday, with party leaders symbolically carrying Ganesh idols to the front of the police station. The protest drew participation from several prominent BJP figures across the region.

The row also sparked a direct war of words between former BJP MP Pratap Simha and state Home Minister Priyank Kharge. Simha warned the inspector against exceeding his authority and said he would personally enter the police station if the officer attempted to obstruct the procession. Kharge hit back sharply, likening Simha to a 'street goonda' and warning that any 'misadventure' would result in arrest. Simha, in response, said he was not deterred by such warnings.

Government's Stand: No Restrictions on Procession

The Karnataka state government has so far declined to initiate action against Inspector Dhananjay. However, the controversy prompted an official clarification that there would be no restrictions on the Ganesh procession and that devotees would be permitted to take the procession in front of the mosque.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that Ganesh processions could be conducted anywhere, appealing to citizens to celebrate the festival peacefully and maintain communal harmony. The BJP, however, maintained that permitting the procession was insufficient and continued to press for formal disciplinary action against the inspector.

Security Arrangements on the Ground

Police have significantly stepped up their presence across T. Narasipur in view of the sensitive situation. Personnel have been deployed at key locations and along the procession route, with officials closely monitoring developments to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure law and order. The administration is treating the situation with considerable caution given the communal overtones of the dispute.

As the Ganesh festival proceeds, all eyes remain on whether the government will take any action against the inspector and whether the procession passes off peacefully amid the heightened political tensions.