MYSURU: Tension prevailed in T Narasipura of Mysuru district after a controversy over remarks allegedly made by police inspector Dhananjay regarding a Ganesh Chaturthi procession escalated into a confrontation between BJP leaders, Hindu activists and the police.
Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, former MP Pratap Simha, MLA Srivatsa and several BJP workers were detained by police after they attempted to take out a Ganesh procession while demanding the immediate suspension of Inspector Dhananjay.
BJP leaders also announced an overnight protest outside the T. Narasipura police station, insisting that the police officer be removed from service before they would withdraw the agitation.
The controversy erupted after a video purportedly showing Inspector Dhananjay addressing Ganeshotsav organisers and warning them against taking a procession near a mosque and bursting firecrackers went viral. In the video, the inspector allegedly warned that he would “teach them a lesson” if the organisers violated the restrictions.
The remarks triggered strong reactions from BJP leaders and Hindu organisations, who accused the police officer of adopting an intimidating approach towards those preparing to celebrate Ganeshotsava.
As the issue gained political momentum, BJP workers gathered in front of the T. Narasipura police station and raised slogans against the state government and the police department. Protesters demanded that Dhananjay be suspended immediately and maintained that the police should facilitate peaceful religious celebrations rather than threaten organisers.
The agitation intensified when Ashoka and other BJP leaders decided to proceed with a Ganesh murti as part of their protest. Police personnel tried to stop the procession, citing law-and-order concerns and the need to follow the approved route.
When the protesters refused to disperse, police deployed additional personnel to the area. Police eventually detained Ashoka, Yaduveer Wadiyar, Pratap Simha, Srivatsa and several activists and shifted them from the spot in police vehicles.
The developments created a tense atmosphere in the town, prompting the authorities to strengthen security arrangements. Additional police personnel were deployed at sensitive locations and around the police station to prevent the situation from escalating further.
BJP leaders accused the Congress government of deliberately creating obstacles for Ganeshotsava celebrations. Some protesters described the administration’s approach as “anti-Hindu” and alleged that unnecessary restrictions were being imposed on religious processions.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also criticised the state government over the controversy and demanded the immediate suspension of Inspector Dhananjay.
Joshi said it was unacceptable for a police officer entrusted with maintaining peace and law and order to threaten youngsters who had gathered to celebrate Ganeshotsava, allegedly. He questioned how an officer could publicly issue such warnings and sought an explanation from the government over the police personnel’s conduct.
Joshi further alleged that Hindus were being forced to seek permission to celebrate a festival on their own soil and accused the Congress government of pursuing what he described as appeasement politics.
He alleged that an officer responsible for maintaining communal harmony should not act as though he represents one particular community. According to Joshi, invoking law-and-order concerns to restrict Hindu festivals unnecessarily would send a wrong message to the public.
The Union Minister also warned that attempts to interfere with Hindu religious traditions would not be tolerated, and called on the government to take action against the inspector.
Former MP Pratap Simha also stepped up his criticism of Inspector Dhananjay. He warned that he would confront the officer if similar remarks were repeated and questioned how the police were dealing with Ganeshotsava organisers.
The BJP has maintained that it is not opposed to reasonable restrictions intended to preserve peace, but argued that such measures should be implemented uniformly and respectfully. Party leaders said the administration should clearly communicate the approved route and festival conditions rather than allegedly intimidating organisers.
