Joshi Seeks Suspension of Mysuru Inspector Over Ganeshotsava Remarks

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has called for the suspension of Dhananjay, the circle inspector of T. Narasipura in Mysuru district, over remarks he is said to have made against members of Ganesh Mandals.

The officer is accused of issuing intimidating warnings to young mandal members during a peace committee meeting. According to the account, he told them that the Ganesha procession would not be allowed to pass through streets where mosques are located, and that bursting firecrackers, dancing or raising slogans in such areas would not be tolerated. He also directed that the procession stick strictly to the route prescribed by the police.

Speaking to reporters in Hubballi on Sunday, September 13, 2026, Mr. Joshi said the officer had warned that any incident affecting law and order would invite decisive police action without leniency. The Minister described this as a threat aimed at innocent young people celebrating their festival.

He called it an unforgivable act for an inspector to publicly threaten youths who had gathered to celebrate with devotion, and said it was unfortunate that Hindus were being forced to seek permission to celebrate Ganeshotsava with grandeur in their own country.

Mr. Joshi questioned who had given the officer the authority to issue such public threats. He asked whether the power had been granted by the police department or by Home Minister Priyank Kharge, or whether it stemmed from what he called the appeasement politics of the Congress government led by D.K. Shivakumar.

The Minister said an officer's duty is to maintain law and order, not to act as an agent of any particular community. He alleged that attempts to curtail Hindu festivals in the name of law and order reflected an anti-Hindu stance, and asserted that such efforts to undermine Sanatana culture, traditions and devotion would not be tolerated.