Karnataka CM asks police to stay alert over BJP's use of anti-social elements

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Sunday that the State government has directed the police to remain vigilant against the BJP allegedly deploying anti-social elements, and claimed there was a conspiracy to disturb peace in society.

His remarks came after Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok accused the police of threatening young people preparing to install a Ganapathi idol in T. Narasipur, in Mysuru district. Mr. Ashok demanded the suspension of the jurisdictional police inspector over the alleged threats.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Shivakumar said Mr. Ashok was attempting to inflame communal sentiments. He stressed that the Ganesha festival must be observed peacefully, that discipline should be maintained during processions, and that precautions were needed around electricity poles and cables.

Responding to Mr. Ashok's charge that the government had imposed restrictions and prevented people from celebrating freely, the Chief Minister dismissed the allegation. He said the Leader of the Opposition was free to travel wherever he wished, but questioned why he was visiting the T. Narasipur police station, calling it an attempt to manufacture an unnecessary controversy. Noting that Mr. Ashok had earlier served as Home Minister, Mr. Shivakumar said he should recognise his limits.

The Chief Minister also rejected the suggestion that Lord Ganesha belonged to any one party, describing the festival as a tradition initiated by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He said the government was encouraging the celebrations, including by declaring a holiday.

Mr. Ashok, who earlier described the Congress as "anti-Hindu", said the Ganesha festival was celebrated by people of all age groups and symbolised devotion and unity. He alleged that the police inspector had abused his position by warning youth not to pass in front of a mosque, burst crackers, dance, or take out a silent procession, and had threatened to teach them a lesson if they did not comply. He warned that such police threats would spread to other parts of the State unless checked.

Home Minister Priyank Kharge said there would be no compromise on maintaining law and order or curbing communal violence. He accused the BJP of trying to turn a police directive into a communal matter, explaining that the procession had been asked to follow a designated route map as a precaution against untoward incidents.

On the BJP's claim that its meetings were being restricted, Mr. Shivakumar refuted any such move. He said the party could hold gatherings wherever it wanted, provided it stayed within the law, and that officials had been instructed to grant permission for its functions. He added that the government would not misuse power to impose restrictions, and accused BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra of making false statements.