T. Narasipur Ganesha procession row

T. Narasipur: After days of tension over the Ganesha procession in T. Narasipur, the idol immersion and ‘Shobha Yatre’ passed off peacefully yesterday evening, with hundreds of activists and citizens taking part.

The Hindu Jagarana Vedike and other Hindu organisations had installed the Ganesha idol near the T. Narasipur Police Station and announced that the procession would pass through Link Road, where a mosque is located.

The decision to install the idol came following a controversy over the procession route and remarks made by T. Narasipur Police Inspector Dhananjaya during a meeting with festival organisers.

The procession began around 5.30 pm and passed through College Road, Link Road and Market Road, before reaching the Gunja Narasimhaswamy Temple. The idol was later immersed in                          the Kapila River.

Participants burst crackers during the procession. Though the fireworks and slogans kept the atmosphere charged, the procession passed off without any major incident as the Police kept a close watch.

Mysuru Superintendent of Police (SP) Mallikarjun Baladandi had made elaborate security arrangements, deploying Reserve Police, Combat Forces and Commando personnel at various points along the route, particularly near the mosque. More than 5,000 activists and citizens took part in the procession. Cultural troupes, musical bands and participants carrying saffron flags were among the highlights.

Inspector’s remarks flayed

Former MP Prathap Simha joined the procession and raised slogans and danced with the participants. He criticised Inspector Dhananjaya over his earlier remarks and accused him of behaving like a local chieftain.

While stating that the BJP respected the Police Department, Simha said, it would not tolerate the conduct of “certain unfit officers” like Dhananjaya. He said that with the Assembly elections due in about 18 months, he would return to power and “settle accounts” with the Inspector.

Hindu Jagarana Vedike leader K.T. Ullas said, public Ganesha festivals helped strengthen Hindu unity and dismissed concerns over the procession passing by the mosque.

MLA T.S. Srivatsa, BJP Rural President Kumbralli Subbanna, Hindu Jagarana Vedike leaders and other district-level leaders were present.