Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday accused the BJP of allegedly using anti-social elements to create social unrest and said police had been directed to remain vigilant during the ongoing Ganesha festival.
Speaking to reporters at the KPCC office, Shivakumar said the government was taking precautions to ensure that no untoward incident occurred during Ganesha processions.
Reacting to Leader of Opposition R Ashoka’s allegation that the government had imposed several restrictions on Ganesha celebrations, Shivakumar said attempts were being made to create communal tension over the issue.
“The Ganesha festival should be celebrated peacefully. Discipline must be maintained during processions, and caution must be exercised regarding electric poles and wires,” he said.
Shivakumar also hit back at the BJP’s claims over the festival, saying Ganesha celebrations were not the exclusive preserve of any political party. He referred to Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s role in popularising public Ganesha celebrations and said the tradition continues to this day.
The government, he said, had declared a holiday for the festival and was encouraging people to celebrate it.
Asked about R Ashoka’s visit to the T Narasipura police station in Mysuru, Shivakumar said the former home minister should understand the limits of his role.
“Let him go wherever he wants. He is trying to fabricate issues. He is a former Home Minister; he should understand the limits of his role,” Shivakumar said.
He also clarified that the government would not impose unnecessary restrictions on BJP meetings or political programmes.
“The BJP is free to hold political meetings anywhere within the legal framework,” he said, adding that he had personally directed officials to grant permission for programmes in accordance with the law, irrespective of the venue.
“It is not our style to misuse power to impose restrictions on anyone; everyone is free to conduct their programmes within the bounds of the law,” Shivakumar said.
