Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar stated on Wednesday that the BJP's recent protest in T. Narasipura was directed solely at remarks made by a police inspector, not against the Muslim community. Speaking in Mysuru, the royal scion clarified the party's stance following a demonstration on Sunday, September 13, concerning alleged restrictions on a Ganesha procession.
The BJP's demonstration, Yaduveer explained, condemned T. Narasipura Police Inspector Dhananjaya's statement that a Ganesha procession would not be permitted in front of a mosque. "We are opposed to the T. Narasipura police inspector. For that reason, we have protested. We have not protested targeting Muslims," he asserted. He urged that the party's actions should not be misconstrued as being against the Muslim community.
Addressing criticism about BJP leaders wearing shoes and slippers while carrying Ganesha idols during the protest outside the T. Narasipura police station, Yaduveer offered a clarification. He noted that the idols held by protesters had not yet been formally installed. "For installed idols, that kind of respect is given. The idols which we held were not installed. In that respect, it is not an issue of controversy. We were wearing chappals while protesting on the street," he elaborated, dismissing the contention.
Yaduveer further criticized the inspector's alleged language during a peace meeting, deeming it inappropriate for an officer. He quoted Dhananjaya as stating in Kannada, "If a procession is taken in front of the mosque, he will make them repent," and, "If you people go there, you get charged up." The MP questioned the propriety of such remarks in a public forum. He also accused the police of defending Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on the issue, asking, "If you defend such statements, what would be the public opinion?"
The protest itself, held on Sunday, September 13, saw prominent BJP figures including Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka, MLA T.S. Srivatsa, and former MP Pratap Simha join Yaduveer. Reports indicated Inspector Dhananjaya had warned organizers against bursting crackers near a mosque on Link Road, which the BJP interpreted as a procession restriction. R. Ashoka led a march along Link Road carrying a Ganesha idol. Police subsequently detained and later released the participating BJP leaders.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean News