‘BJP leaders indulging in provocation’: CM Siddaramaiah after protests over stone pelting incident during Ganesh immersion in Mandya

BENGALURU: Following the stone pelting incident during the Ganesh Idol immersion in Maddur town, Mandya, on Sunday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is indulging in provocation and added that legal action will be taken against those involved, irrespective of their religion or party.

Commenting on the stone pelting incident, CM Siddaramaiah said, “When the procession passed near the mosque, there was a minor clash. The police had warned the people in the procession, telling them not to stay there for too long. At that time, some stone-pelting took place…When the procession passed in front of the mosque, a clash broke out. A mild lathi-charge was carried out. When people gathered in groups to create trouble, a mild lathi-charge was used.”

He further said that 21 people have been arrested in connection with the stone pelting incident and added that legal action will be taken against those involved in the incident. He also blamed the BJP for indulging in provocation.

“Whoever is guilty, legal action will be taken against them. It is the BJP leaders who are indulging in provocation. The police have not committed any mistake. If at all there is any mistake, action will be taken,” he said.

CM Siddaramaiah further added, “Be it Muslims, Hindus, BJP, Congress, or JD(S) —the law will take its course. The police had warned the people in the procession, telling them not to stay there for too long. At that time, some stone-pelting took place.”

Earlier in the day, pro-Hindu organisations held a protest against the reported incident of stone pelting during the Ganesh Idol immersion in Maddur town, Mandya, yesterday. Section 144 has been imposed in the area, and some people have been arrested, as per Karnataka Home Minister G. Parmeshwara.Police also used mild lathi charge to disperse the protestors.

Speaking to the reporters, Karnataka Home Minister said, “An incident has happened in Maddur town, Mandya, a stone pelting incident, which is now under control. The police have already arrested a few people…Section 144 has been imposed. One or two small incidents also happened in the state. One stabbing incident has also happened; everything is under control. The police have taken all the necessary steps.” (ANI)