‘Politics of Congress created disharmony in society’: Basavaraj Bommai on reported stone pelting during Ganesh idol immersion

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Basavaraj Bommai on Monday blamed some “anti-social” elements with alleged political backing for the reported stone pelting incident during the Ganesh idol immersion procession in Karnataka’s Maddur.

While speaking, Bommai accused the Congress government of creating “disharmony in society,” which he claimed had resulted in such incidents of violence.

“The situation has gone so bad that there are some antisocial elements who think that they can get away with any kind of violence because they have got political backing… There are anti-social elements that don’t want the procession to be taken out. A Hindu deity procession showcases the strength of the Hindu community. They don’t want that. The Hindu community is very peaceful. The procession will be very peaceful. But they want to disrupt it…” Bommai said.

He further asserted, “It is the administration and politics of the Congress party that have created disharmony in society and the result is that this kind of violence happens and when this happens, the police behave one-sidedly…”

Meanwhile, pro-Hindu organisations held a protest on Monday 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.

#WATCH | Delhi | On the reported incident of stone pelting during the Ganesh Idol immersion in Maddur town, BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai says, “The situation has gone so bad that there are some antisocial elements who think that they can get away with any kind of violence because they… pic.twitter.com/JOb6dKQaIb

— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025

Police also used mild lathi charge to disperse the protestors.

Addressing the media, Karnataka Home Minister Parmeshwara 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.”

The 11-day festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi, which began on August 27, ended on Saturday with visarjan processions taking centre stage across the country.

‘Ganesh Visarjan’ is observed on the 11th day of the festival, ending on Anant Chaturdashi. Visuals from various pandals have surfaced, showing devotees taking part in processions as they prepare to bid farewell to Lord Ganesha. (ANI)