Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday, 14 September appealed to citizens across the state to cooperate with and show respect for police personnel deployed during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, underscoring the scale of sacrifice made by security forces to ensure peaceful festivities.

Scale of Security Deployment

Citing figures from last year's festival, Kharge noted that Karnataka recorded 80,558 public Ganesh processions in 2025, for which more than 1.02 lakh police personnel, Home Guards, and Central Armed Police Forces were deployed to maintain law and order. The numbers reflect one of the largest single-festival security mobilisations in the state's history.

'More than one lakh men and women in uniform spent the festival away from their own families so that the rest of us could celebrate,' Kharge said in a statement.

What the Minister Said

Kharge stressed that while citizens were praying, dancing, and joining processions, security personnel remained on the streets for extended hours — managing crowds, regulating traffic, preventing conflicts, and ensuring everyone returned home safely. 'When they make that sacrifice, the very least we can do is respect it,' he said.

The Home Minister urged people to act responsibly, follow police instructions, and treat every personnel with dignity. 'Behind every uniform is a family waiting for them too,' he added, appealing for even small gestures of recognition to acknowledge the service of the Karnataka Police.

Security Arrangements in Bengaluru

In Bengaluru, authorities deployed extensive security measures ahead of and during the festivities. Approximately 3,000 additional CCTV cameras were installed to monitor sensitive and hyper-sensitive areas, supplementing the existing surveillance network. Karnataka State Reserve Police platoons were positioned at key locations, and drones are being used for aerial monitoring of procession routes. Police have also issued guidelines on loudspeaker use and reinforced security along major procession corridors.

Tension in Mysuru District

This comes amid heightened tensions in T. Narasipur town of Mysuru district, where tightened security was enforced following controversy over remarks allegedly made by a police inspector regarding a Ganesh procession route. The episode has taken on political dimensions, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanding action against the officer. Notably, the incident illustrates the delicate law-and-order balance that festival season demands from the administration.

Celebrations Across Karnataka

Ganesh Chaturthi was observed with widespread religious fervour across Karnataka on Monday, with devotees thronging temples and markets as part of the state-wide celebrations. As processions get under way over the coming days, Kharge's appeal seeks to set a tone of civic responsibility and mutual respect between the public and security forces.