Several social media posts recently claimed that the Karnataka government banned Ganesh Puja and that the police had confiscated idols from devotees, sparking widespread controversy. The incident quickly escalated into a political issue in poll-bound Maharashtra.
Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya described the visuals circulating online as "terrifying" and accused the Congress of disrespecting Hindu deities. Surya took to social media, writing, "This visual of Lord Ganesha in a police vehicle is terrifying. Why is the Congress hell-bent on insulting our deities and belittling the faith of millions of Hindus?"
However, the images in question were from a protest held at Bengaluru's Town Hall, unrelated to the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Authorities temporarily took custody of the idol to protect it during protests against clashes in Nagamangala.
Bengaluru police clarified the situation. A senior officer explained that the idol was placed inside a police vehicle while protesters were detained. The Deputy Commissioner of Police for Bengaluru Central Division said, "On September 13, 2024, Hindu groups protested at Town Hall against the Nagamangala Ganesh procession incident, violating a High Court order. The demonstrators were detained, and the Ganapati idol was later immersed following traditional rituals."
PM Modi's Ganesh Pooja Visit Sparks Debate
In another incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Chief Justice of India Dhananjay Chandrachud's residence during Ganeshotsav sparked a political debate. Critics argued that the visit blurred the lines between the judiciary and the executive, while the BJP dismissed these allegations as an attack on Hinduism.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut criticized the visit, questioning its potential impact on key judicial cases involving the government. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis countered by posting images of former PM Manmohan Singh hosting an iftar with a then-serving Chief Justice in 2009, highlighting similar past events.
Sharad Pawar's Strategic Ganesh Pandal Visit
Sharad Pawar’s recent visit to the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh pandal in Mumbai also drew attention. The move was seen as an effort to connect with Hindu voters ahead of upcoming elections. BJP leaders labeled Pawar’s actions as political opportunism, with State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule suggesting Pawar's visit was an attempt to appeal to the Hindu vote bank in light of shifting political dynamics.
The BJP has been focused on promoting Hindu values, countering the opposition's efforts to create a negative narrative. The ruling party emphasized its commitment to unity and harmony across all communities, portraying itself as the defender of Hindu traditions.
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