Yaduveer Slams Government for Backing T. Narsipur Inspector, Denies BJP Anti-Muslim

Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar on Wednesday criticised the State government for standing behind T. Narsipur Police Inspector Dhananjaya over his conduct at a peace meeting convened ahead of the Ganesha festival.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, the MP said citizens should press Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to explain why the inspector's behaviour at the meeting was being justified, describing it as unconstitutional. He argued that suspending the officer would restore the government's reputation.

Mr. Wadiyar made clear that the BJP's agitation against the inspector was intended to protect religion. The protest in T. Narsipur was led by senior party figures, including Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok, former MP Pratap Simha and Mr. Wadiyar himself. It followed reports that the inspector had warned groups taking out Ganesha idol processions not to burst crackers while passing a mosque.

Responding to questions, the Mysuru MP rejected the suggestion that the BJP was hostile to Muslims or any other community, saying the demonstration was directed solely at the inspector's statement. He also dismissed the Congress's charge that the party was trying to stir communal trouble to regain power.

At the same time, he said it was widely known where stones are thrown from, adding that they do not come from his side.

On the criticism surrounding the protest, Mr. Wadiyar said carrying an idol that had not yet been consecrated while wearing footwear did not amount to disrespect. He explained that party leaders were conducting the agitation by the roadside and were therefore wearing footwear as they carried the idols.

Asked about his arrest during the T. Narsipur protest, he noted that he had been taken into custody during demonstrations before, including the BJP's agitation over the MUDA scam and a protest following the suicide of a party worker in Kodagu.

Turning to the public altercation involving former MLA L. Nagendra and Mr. Simha, Mr. Wadiyar called it an internal party matter that would be settled within the party. Senior State BJP leaders, he said, had already spoken to both leaders in an effort to resolve the dispute.