Bengaluru, Sep 16 (IANS) : Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, on Wednesday challenged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to bring legislation prohibiting Muslim processions from passing in front of Hindu temples if the government intended to regulate Ganesh processions near mosques.
Ashoka was responding to Shivakumar’s criticism of the BJP’s protest in T. Narasipura over remarks attributed to a police inspector regarding the route of a Ganesh procession. Shivakumar has said the BJP was politicising a police warning issued to prevent any untoward incident.
“I also want to consider that D.K. Shivakumar is a Chief Minister. I wanted to see him as a statesman. By supporting a police inspector of a rural region, if Shivakumar says that domination and scolding are part of policing, then what message is being sent?” Ashoka said.
He alleged that the T. Narasipura inspector faced allegations relating to assaulting Dalit youths, damaging the life of a woman, and corruption, and questioned the Chief Minister’s decision to support the officer.
According to Ashoka, the inspector’s reported remarks were insulting to the Hindu community and could set a precedent for similar restrictions elsewhere. “This is Ganesh festival. If this message goes on, this will be replicated by all police stations. I had expected much more from CM Shivakumar,” he said.
Ashoka then dared the Chief Minister over the issue of religious processions.
“You are all set to bring an Act to regulate RSS marches. I challenge you to bring another Act prohibiting Ganesh processions in front of mosques in the state. Issue an order. Likewise, Muslim processions should not enter areas where Hindu temples are located. It must also apply to Jains and Sikhs,” he said.
He also questioned why, according to him, restrictions were being directed at Hindu celebrations and alleged that the government was adopting a one-sided approach.
Ashoka referred to the alleged remarks made by the T. Narasipura inspector concerning the Ganesh procession and said the government should apply the same standards to all communities.
“Last year, stones were pelted at a Ganesh procession in Maddur. Let them use the same language and release it to the media. Do this if you are not anti-Hindu. Use the same language for all. You have become one-sided,” he said.
Meanwhile, the controversy in T. Narasipura town in Mysuru district has continued to escalate, with the Hindu Jagarana Vedike announcing a Shobha Yatra on September 18. The organisation has said around 5,000 people are expected to participate and that the procession will cover around 2.5 km. Reports said preparations were being made for the event along Link Road.
The Vedike’s coordinator said that volunteers had contacted villages surrounding T. Narasipura and mobilised participants from Mysuru, Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts.
The organisation said the Shobha Yatra was being held to condemn the police inspector’s reported remarks regarding taking a Ganesh procession in front of a mosque.
However, Mysuru Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi has clarified that there are no restrictions on traditional routes used for Ganesh processions in T. Narasipura. He said processions could follow the same routes used last year.
