Karnataka: Riot During Ganesha Procession; BJP Blames State Govt
Mangaluru: Communal violence broke out in Nagamangala Taluk, Mandya district, on Wednesday night during a Ganesha idol procession. The clash, sparked by stone-pelting, escalated into widespread violence with shops being vandalized and set ablaze, leading to heightened communal tensions in the area.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi condemned the incident, holding the Congress-led state government responsible. "The Congress government is indulging in appeasement politics. Stones were thrown at a peaceful Ganesh procession, and now communal tension prevails," he stated. Joshi further urged the government to take immediate and decisive action against those involved, accusing the Congress of fostering anti-Hindu policies.
Sharan Kumar Pumpwell, Joint Secretary of VHP Karnataka Dakshina Pranth, claimed the attack was pre-planned, citing the use of stones, petrol bombs, and swords. He criticized the state government for failing to provide adequate security during the procession, despite the issuance of guidelines for Ganeshotsava celebrations. "This is a message to Hindus and Ganeshotsava Samithis that future Shoba Yatra processions should avoid passing mosques and dargahs," Pumpwell alleged.
Sri Rama Sene founder Pramod Muthalik echoed these concerns, pointing to a similar incident in front of the same mosque last year. He criticized the authorities for not taking preventive measures, demanding accountability from the Superintendent of Police and in-charge minister N Chaluvaraya Swamy. Muthalik also called for action against the mosque involved, suggesting that it be seized or subjected to "bulldozer action." He has announced plans to visit the site on Friday.
Protests by Ganeshotsava Samithis have erupted across the state in response to the incident.
