Union Minister Alleges 'Well-Planned Attack' on Lord Ganesha Procession Amidst Communal Tensions

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi accused the Congress government of shielding those responsible for a 'well-planned attack' on a Lord Ganesha procession in Nagamangala, Karnataka. Following allegations of stone-pelting, riots ensued, prompting calls for an NIA investigation and criticism against the state's treatment of Hindus.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has alleged that the assault on a Lord Ganesha procession was a 'well-planned attack.' He also accused the Congress government of shielding those responsible for what he termed 'heinous acts.'

Riots erupted in Nagamangala, Mandya district, Karnataka, on Wednesday following claims of stone-pelting during a Ganpati immersion procession. 'It is a very unfortunate decision and the role of the government is very unfortunate... It was a well-planned attack on the procession of Lord Ganesha... Despite this, the Congress government claims it is not communal violence... They are protecting those involved in such heinous acts,' Joshi stated on Thursday.

Joshi further asserted that the incident was a deliberate attack on a Hindu festival. 'It was a well-planned attack on Hindus intended to create communal divide, and the perpetrators should be punished and put behind bars... this is a clear-cut attack on Hindu festivals and processions,' he added.

On September 13, Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje demanded an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the incident. 'Siddaramaiah is against Hindus and is only appeasing minorities. I demand the arrest of the culprits. Only Hindus have been arrested in this incident. An inquiry should be launched, and the NIA should investigate to uncover the truth,' Karandlaje said.

Karandlaje also criticized Siddaramaiah, stating, 'Whenever there is a Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka, actions are taken against Hindus. What happened in Mandya is an insult to Lord Ganesha and Hindus. The government refers to it as a minor incident. If the burning of 25 Hindu shops seems minor, what would a major incident be?' In response to the riots, Mandya District Collector Kumar reported that fifty-four people were taken into custody and adequate security has been deployed as a precautionary measure.

'The situation is under control. We have deployed sufficient forces and taken all precautionary measures. Today, schools and colleges are closed. Fifty-four people have been arrested. We are currently assessing the damages,' Mandya DC Dr. Kumar told ANI. According to the Mandya Police, seven bikes and six small shops were burnt, while a total of 15 bikes and a car suffered minor damage during the incident. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)