The recent Ganesh Visarjan processions in Karnataka have become a flashpoint, igniting controversy and drawing sharp criticism from various quarters, most notably from Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. The uproar stems from incidents of violence during the processions, specifically a lathi-charge by the police on devotees in Dharwad district. This action has prompted strong condemnation, with Joshi demanding the immediate suspension of the police officer responsible.
The incidents occurred on September 7th in Narendra village, Dharwad, when clashes erupted between two groups over the music being played during the Ganesh idol immersion procession. The police intervened, resulting in a lathi-charge that has been described by Joshi as targeting "small children and elderly villagers during an extremely peaceful immersion". He further stated that this action was "extremely condemnable" and an "unpardonable misdeed," especially considering the villagers' assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Joshi has also questioned the authority of the officer who ordered the lathi-charge, particularly when senior officers were present. He has threatened to stage a protest with the villagers if his demand for suspension is not met.
Adding to the complexity, similar incidents of violence marred Ganesh Visarjan processions in other parts of Karnataka. In Mandya, stone-pelting occurred near a mosque during a procession, leading to clashes between communities. Police responded with a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd, and Section 144 was imposed to prevent further unrest. According to some reports, the police used force against Hindus who were protesting the stone-pelting.
These events have triggered a wave of accusations and counter-accusations. Some Hindu organizations and BJP leaders have alleged that the Congress government is deliberately hurting the sentiments of Hindus and engaging in appeasement politics. They point to restrictions on cultural programs and DJ music during the Ganpati celebrations as evidence of this bias. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje has criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, accusing them of a complete collapse of law and order in the state and of insulting Hindus. BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai has blamed the Congress government for creating "disharmony in society," which he claims has led to violence.
Conversely, Minister for Agriculture N. Cheluvarayaswamy has accused the opposition BJP of attempting to instigate communal violence for political gain. He stated that action has been taken against those responsible for the stone-pelting incident, with 21 people arrested. Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has maintained that the situation is under control and that the government is taking all necessary steps to maintain peace and order. He downplayed the incidents as "minor" and assured the public that those involved in the clashes have been arrested. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that the law will take its course against anyone found guilty, regardless of their religious or political affiliation.
The lathi-charge incident and the ensuing political storm raise critical questions about the proportionality of police response, the handling of sensitive religious events, and the delicate balance between maintaining law and order and respecting religious sentiments. Union Minister Joshi's strong reaction underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough and impartial inquiry into the events that transpired during the Ganesh Visarjan processions in Karnataka. The incident in Mandya where stones were allegedly thrown from a mosque adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The differing narratives from various political actors highlight the charged atmosphere and the potential for further escalation if the underlying issues are not addressed with sensitivity and fairness.
