Mysuru: Over 1,200 BJP workers and Hindu activists protested at Gandhi Square against Police “excesses” in Hunsur yesterday over Hanuma Jayanthi celebrations. Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje led the protest and targeted the Congress Government in the State for arresting MP Pratap Simha who was on his way to take part in the celebrations. As the BJP leaders shouted slogans against Siddharamaiah government at the protest venue, another group nearby garlanded the flex banner of CM and protested.

The protesters condemned the State’s move to prevent peaceful Hanuma Jayanthi celebrations. The agitating BJP workers said that the State was imposing restrictions on celebrating Hindu religious functions. The Congress government has hurt the sentiments of the Hindus by not allowing the celebrations of Hanuma Jayanti, they alleged. The protesters expressed their anguish by raising slogans against the CM.

“We demand the immediate release of over 50 Hindu activists who have been arrested by the Hunsur Police. Siddharamaiah and his Congress party is anti-Hindu. While the Government sanctioned permission to Eid Meelad procession and spent public money to celebrate Tipu Jayanti, it is not giving permission to peaceful Hanuma Jayanti,” MP Shobha Karandlaje  said.

“Congress Government is consistently pursuing anti-Hindu policies. The Government is trying to appease minorities while it has no value for emotions of the majority community,” she added.

City BJP President Dr. B.H. Manjunath, District President M. Shivanna, leader H.V. Rajeev, former Minister S.A. Ramdas, Slum Morcha General Secretary Kautilya R. Raghu, Corporators Snake Shyam, H.S. Nandeesh Preetham, B.P. Manjunath, former MLA Marutirao Pawar and former MUDA Chairman L. Nagendra and others were present.

Over 50 Policemen, Commando Force, and CAR platoon were deployed under the leadership of ACP B.S. Rajashekar, Inspectors C.P. Santhosh, H.R. Vivekananda, Jayarathna and Shekhar were present.