Bengaluru: The Congress government in Karnataka finds itself in the dock once again, facing growing allegations of being anti-Hindu and deliberately appeasing minority communities for electoral benefits. A spate of incidents, ranging from communal clashes to controversial government actions, has given ammunition to critics who accuse the Siddaramaiah administration of sidelining Hindu sentiments while pandering to vote-bank politics.
The perception that the Congress government is hurting Hindu interests has gained traction after recent violence during Ganesh festival processions in Maddur, as well as earlier riots in Udayagiri and Nagamangal. In each case, Hindus have alleged that the government either failed to protect their rights or took steps that effectively penalised their community.
Udayagiri riots: police attacked during arrests
The first flashpoint came in Udayagiri in Mysuru , where stone-pelting erupted after police moved to arrest an accused. Miscreants from the Muslim community attacked the police, leaving several officers injured. Critics pointed out that such brazen defiance of law and order was possible only because of a weak-kneed government that, instead of protecting its own officers, was seen as soft on the rioters.
Nagamangal violence during Ganesh immersion
In Mandya district’s Nagamangal, a Ganesh idol immersion procession was targeted with stone-pelting by members of the Muslim community. What should have been a peaceful religious ceremony descended into a communal riot. Shockingly, a case was also filed against those who installed the Ganesh murti, sending shockwaves among Hindus who alleged that the Congress government was more eager to criminalise their practices than punish those responsible for violence.
Maddur Ganesh procession riot intensifies anger
The latest spark came from Maddur, where stones were pelted from inside a mosque during a Ganesh procession. The police responded with lathi-charge against protesting Hindus, triggering outrage across Mandya district. Though the accused were arrested, the perception that the police and administration acted harshly against Hindus, while showing leniency towards minorities, has deepened mistrust.
Dharmasthala body case mishandled
Another highly sensitive controversy emerged after reports alleged that hundreds of bodies were buried within Dharmasthala. Instead of carefully verifying the claims, the government hastily constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and ordered excavations. This sudden move was seen as an insult to one of Karnataka’s most revered Hindu religious centers. Many questioned why such sensitivity was not shown before targeting Dharmasthala, and whether political motives were at play.
Restrictions on Ganesh festival celebrations
The Congress government has also been accused of stifling Hindu festivals by imposing unnecessary restrictions. This year, the ban on DJs and additional conditions during Ganesh celebrations sparked resentment. Devotees felt the state was deliberately curbing their freedom to celebrate while turning a blind eye to practices of other communities.
Chamundi Hill controversy
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar added fuel to the fire by declaring that Chamundi Hill “is not the property of Hindus.” The remark enraged Hindu groups and even drew condemnation from the Mysuru royal family, who maintained that the hill and its temple fall under the jurisdiction of the Muzrai department and hold deep Hindu significance. For many, Shivakumar’s comments symbolized the Congress government’s disregard for Hindu traditions.
Dussehra inauguration row
The controversy extended to Mysuru’s famed Dussehra festival when the state invited Bhanu Mushtaq to inaugurate the celebrations. Critics pointed out that Dussehra is not just a cultural event but one intertwined with Hindu rituals, particularly the worship of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari. Inviting a Muslim representative was viewed as unnecessary appeasement that hurt religious sentiments.
Muslim Reservation Act fuels divide
Adding to the list of grievances was the government’s move to provide 4% reservation to Muslims in government contracts. Though ultimately rejected by the Governor, the proposal was seen as a blatant attempt at minority appeasement. Opponents argue that every time Congress comes to power, it resurrects similar initiatives, sidelining majority community interests.
Alarmed by the backlash after Maddur, the Congress tried to pacify Hindu anger. District-in-charge Minister Cheluvarayaswamy emphasized that arrests had been made from within the mosque itself, portraying the government as even-handed. But critics argue that such assurances come too late, as the cumulative effect of repeated incidents has already cemented an image of the Congress as anti-Hindu.
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