Bengaluru: Former Deputy Chief Minister Dr CN Ashwathnarayan and BJP leader has demanded the immediate dismissal of the Chancellor of Tumkur University and the police inspector who issued a controversial circular preventing students from participating in Ganeshutsava celebrations. He criticised the circular as an attack on religious rights and societal values, urging strict action against those responsible.
Speaking at Jagannath Bhavan, the BJP’s state office in Malleswaram, on September 22, Dr Ashwathnarayan said, “Both the university chancellor and the inspector who issued this letter should be dismissed from their respective positions. Their actions cannot be ignored, and their decision has hurt the sentiments of the entire society. Such individuals, who neither understand nor respect the law, are unfit for responsible positions.”
The former DCM further emphasised that if the Congress-led state government had any moral responsibility, it would take immediate action to remove these officials. “They have not only harmed the sentiments of the Hindu community but also hurt the feelings of the people of Karnataka and India as a whole,” he added, strongly condemning the move.
Dr Ashwathnarayan highlighted the cultural and historical significance of Ganeshutsava, noting that the festival has been celebrated publicly since pre-independence times and played a key role in organizing society and inspiring the freedom movement. “Vinayaka Chaturthi is a festival with deep cultural roots, and it is unacceptable for the government to take steps that undermine such traditions. The Home Department seems intent on ensuring that no Vinayaka Chaturthi programs are held. In protest, if a Ganesha idol is installed, it will be taken away in a police vehicle,” he said defiantly.
Questioning the logic behind the circular, Dr. Ashwathnarayan asked how the registrar of an autonomous university could issue a directive based on a letter from a police inspector. “How can a police inspector, who is part of the district administration, write to the chancellor of Tumkur University, suggesting that communal tension could arise from students participating in Ganeshotsava? What authority does an inspector have to make such a call?” he asked. He expressed frustration over how such chancellors and vice-chancellors are appointed, implying that they lack the necessary qualifications and understanding.
Ashwathnarayan also objected to the suggestion that illegal elements could potentially disrupt the Ganeshotsava procession. “If there were any concerns about illegal forces causing trouble, the police should have arrested those individuals as a precaution. Instead, they have overreacted by preventing students from participating in the festival,” he said.
The controversy began when the registrar of Tumkur University issued a circular prohibiting students from taking part in the Ganeshutsava Visarjana Mahotsav scheduled for Saturday. The order, reportedly issued based on recommendations from the local police, was intended to prevent communal unrest that could arise during the festival.
The Hindu Mahaganapati Visarjana Mahotsav, a major religious event in Tumkur, has historically attracted large crowds. However, police expressed concerns that communal tensions could escalate during this year’s procession, leading to potential riots. In light of this, the university administration was advised to restrict student participation to avoid any untoward incidents. Heads of various university departments were instructed to ensure that students do not attend the event under any circumstances.
Reports from Tumkur suggested that the police had received information about potential disturbances during the procession. Concerns were raised that some participants, including school and college students, could be drawn into the event in a manner that might incite communal tension. The police reportedly wrote a letter to the university chancellor, requesting that he take steps to prevent student participation in the procession.
This move has sparked outrage, particularly among pro-Hindu organizations. Raghu Sakaleshpur, a leader of a pro-Hindu group, was reportedly detained by the police while attempting to deliver a speech during the Hindu Mahaganapati Visarjana procession in Tumkur. Bajrang Dal’s Hassan District President, Raghu Sakaleshpur, was also present and intended to speak during the event, but was taken into custody by the police, further escalating tensions.
Pro-Hindu groups have voiced their discontent with the government’s actions, accusing the Congress administration of pandering to anti-Hindu sentiments and attempting to suppress Hindu religious practices. Dr. Ashwathnarayan echoed these concerns, warning that any attempt to undermine the cultural and religious rights of Hindus would not be tolerated.
As the issue continues to escalate, political and social groups are closely monitoring the state government’s response. The controversy surrounding the Ganeshotsava celebration and the Tumkur University circular has now become a flashpoint in the broader debate over religious freedom and governance in Karnataka.
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