Bengaluru: Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka on Thursday blamed the Siddaramaiah-led government for the ‘collapse’ of law and order in the state and alleged that the attack on Ganesh idol procession in Mandya district is a direct fallout of ‘appeasement politics’.
His reaction came a day after violent clashes broke out between two groups during Ganesh idol procession in Nagamangala town of Mandya.
Taking to social media platform ‘X’, Ashoka alleged that stones were hurled, swords brandished and crude bombs thrown at Ganesh Visarjan Procession. Are we living in Karnataka or Taliban?
In his post, Ashoka questioned, “Are we living in Karnataka or Taliban?” He accused the Congress government of emboldening what he called “anti-national elements” through its alleged appeasement politics. He linked the incident to previous controversies, including slogans raised in Vidhan Soudha and a bomb blast in Rameshwaram Cafe, suggesting a pattern of deteriorating law and order.
Ashoka further criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, alleging that their policies have encouraged divisive elements. He warned that the Congress government would face significant repercussions for its handling of the situation, tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in his post.
The police reported that tensions flared when the procession from Badarikoppalu village reached a religious site, leading to an argument and subsequent stone-throwing. The ensuing clashes resulted in vandalized shops and burned vehicles.
Authorities have since taken control of the situation, deploying additional police forces to the area. Prohibitory orders are in place until September 14 to prevent further unrest, and 46 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence.
