Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has appealed to people to celebrate the Ganesh festival peacefully and responsibly, amid political exchanges over arrangements for processions and public celebrations. He said the police have been instructed to remain alert following information about possible attempts to disturb peace during the festival.
Speaking in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said some discipline would be necessary during the celebrations and maintained that the government was aware of what he described as possible attempts to create unrest. He said the police had been asked to take precautionary measures to ensure that celebrations pass off without incidents.
The Chief Minister was responding to criticism from BJP leader R Ashoka over conditions allegedly being imposed on Ganesh festival celebrations. Shivakumar said certain rules were necessary to maintain public order and prevent unwanted incidents.
He also stressed that the Ganesh festival should not be viewed as belonging to any particular political party or group. According to Shivakumar, Ganesh is for everyone and the government has provided a holiday for the festival while also supporting the celebrations.
The administration’s focus, he said, is on ensuring that religious celebrations take place peacefully. Police arrangements and restrictions on processions are being viewed by the government as preventive measures intended to avoid clashes and maintain law and order.
The issue has become a point of political debate in the state, with opposition leaders questioning restrictions and the government defending the need for regulation. The disagreement has particularly focused on routes for Ganesh processions and the conditions attached to permissions.
Shivakumar also responded to Ashoka’s visit to the T Narasipura police station. He said Ashoka was free to visit wherever he wanted, while making a pointed reference to his previous position as Home Minister and asking him to understand the limits of the role and the functioning of the police department.
The exchange has added another political dimension to the festival arrangements. While opposition leaders have raised concerns about restrictions, the government has maintained that permissions and route guidelines are intended to prevent situations that could disturb public order.
Home Minister Priyank Kharge also criticised Ashoka over his visit to T Narasipura. In a post on X, Kharge accused the opposition leader of attempting to turn the issue into a political controversy and questioned his approach to the matter.
Kharge said maintaining law and order and preventing communal conflict were matters on which he would not compromise. He also said that alleged intimidation or mistreatment of police personnel would not be tolerated.
The Home Minister’s comments came as political leaders continued to trade accusations over the handling of Ganesh festival arrangements. The ruling Congress has argued that police instructions should be followed, while opposition leaders have accused the government of placing unnecessary conditions on celebrations.
At the centre of the disagreement is the movement of Ganesh processions. Police have reportedly directed organisers to follow approved routes so that traffic management and security arrangements can be maintained. Such restrictions can become particularly important in areas where large crowds are expected.
For the administration, preventing an isolated incident from turning into a wider law and order problem remains a priority during major public celebrations. The government is therefore asking organisers and participants to cooperate with police instructions.
Shivakumar also claimed that several political leaders were in contact with him regarding joining the Congress. He said leaders from the BJP and JD(S) were communicating with him and that those who were considering joining the party were doing so after accepting its ideology.
The political comments came alongside the discussion over festival security, adding another layer to the ongoing confrontation between the ruling party and the opposition.
Ganesh festival celebrations bring together large numbers of people across Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru and other major cities. Public processions, decorations and community events can create significant movement on roads, making coordination between organisers, police and local authorities important.
The Chief Minister’s appeal comes with the government seeking to ensure that celebrations remain peaceful despite the political disagreement surrounding some arrangements. The administration is expected to rely on police deployment and advance planning to manage crowds and respond to any law and order concerns.
For citizens, the immediate message from the government is to enjoy the festival while following the rules laid down for public celebrations. Organisers are also expected to coordinate with police and adhere to approved procession routes.
The political dispute is likely to continue, but the administration has made it clear that maintaining peace will remain its priority during the festival. With large public gatherings expected, authorities are taking a cautious approach to avoid incidents and ensure that Ganesh celebrations take place without disruption.
