Bengaluru: Leader of Opposition R Ashoka launched a scathing attack on the Congress government over the communal clash that erupted during Karahunnime (full moon)celebrations in Haveri district, alleging that the ruling dispensation’s “appeasement politics” had emboldened anti-social elements and weakened law and order in Karnataka.
The criticism came a day after violence broke out in Naregal village of Hangal taluk during the traditional Karahunnime festival, leaving more than eight people injured. One farmer allegedly suffered a severed hand during the clash, while two others sustained serious injuries and were shifted to the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Hubballi for advanced treatment.
According to police, the violence erupted after a dispute over bursting firecrackers near a mosque during the traditional bull-running procession organised as part of the Karahunnime celebrations. What initially began as a verbal altercation between members of two communities allegedly escalated into a violent clash involving sharp weapons and sticks.
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Following the incident, Adur Police registered an FIR against 26 persons under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 189(2) and 191(2). Police have also deployed additional security personnel in the village to maintain law and order, stating that the situation is presently under control while the investigation continues.
Reacting strongly to the incident, Ashoka alleged that the Congress government had failed to protect traditional Hindu festivals and accused it of encouraging “appeasement politics.”
In a post on social media platform X, Ashoka questioned why incidents targeting Hindu religious and cultural events were repeatedly taking place since the Congress assumed office in Karnataka.
“The people of Karnataka are asking why Hindu festivals are repeatedly becoming targets after the Congress government came to power. Yesterday’s incident in Haveri is yet another example of how anti-social elements have become emboldened,” he alleged.
Referring to the Karahunnime festival, Ashoka described it as an integral part of Karnataka’s agrarian heritage and condemned the violence that disrupted the celebrations.
“Farmers were celebrating a centuries-old agricultural tradition by taking part in the Karahunnime festival. Allegedly attacking them and severing their hands over the bursting of firecrackers is an inhuman act that deserves the strongest condemnation,” he said.
The BJP leader further alleged that the law-and-order situation in the state had deteriorated under the Congress government and claimed that strict action against offenders had been lacking.
Addressing Home Minister Priyank Kharge, Ashoka questioned whether the government’s policies had resulted in a situation where those committing such acts no longer feared the law.
He also accused the Congress government of focusing on the appeasement of a particular community instead of ensuring equal protection to all citizens, and urged the government to uphold constitutional values through impartial enforcement of the law.
Ashoka further demanded the immediate arrest of every person involved in the violence and called upon the state government to ensure stringent punishment for the accused. He also urged the government to bear the entire cost of treatment for the injured farmers and provide adequate compensation to their families.
“The government must send a clear message that violence committed in the name of communal tensions will not be tolerated. Those responsible should be arrested immediately and prosecuted under the strictest provisions of the law,” he said.
Meanwhile, police officials said the investigation is progressing and that CCTV footage from the area is being examined to establish the exact sequence of events. Statements of eyewitnesses and the injured are also being recorded.
Authorities have appealed to residents not to spread rumours or inflammatory content on social media that could further aggravate communal tensions. More than 20 police personnel remain deployed in Naregal village as a precautionary measure.
Police maintained that the situation in the village is peaceful at present and that every aspect of the incident, including the circumstances that led to the clash and the role of each accused, is being thoroughly investigated. Officials reiterated that appropriate legal action would be taken against those found responsible based on the outcome of the investigation.
