Sangh Parivar groups turn against BJP Govt over Ganesh Chaturthi restrictions

Bengaluru: Hundreds of people who gathered outside the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on the call made by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Hindu Jagaran Vedike and Bajrang Dal to protest against the restrictions on celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi tried to break into the main office of the Corporation Circle.

The Corporation Council, as part of the State BJP government's directions, has brought out a set of restrictions on Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations over the fear of COVID spread after the devastating second wave effects in Bengaluru.

The protestors wanted the people of Bengaluru should be allowed to celebrate the festival as it did in the pre-pandemic time. The BBMP has permitted only three days of public celebrations in contrast to the five-day relaxation allowed in most parts of the state.

In a circular, Gaurav Gupta, BBMP Commissioner, had said, "Ganesha festival will not be allowed for more than three days in Bengaluru city. There should not be any procession while bringing the idol or during immersion."

The BBMP Commissioner also said that the decision to limit the festival sang Parivar groups turn against BJP Govt over Ganesh Chaturthi restrictions celebration this year has been taken after consolation with experts and senior police officers. The people have been instructed to immerse Ganesha Idol made of biodegradable material in their homes in buckets or mobile tankers of the civic agency.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Kamal Pant on Wednesday reiterated that only one Ganesha idol in a public place, in each ward would be permitted, for which the organisers will have to get the nod from the BBMP and then inform the Deputy Commissioner of Police of the area.