Ganapati's alleged arrest sparks nationwide Hindu outrage, Karnataka government faces backlash

PTC News Desk: The purported arrest of a Ganesha idol by the Karnataka government has sparked nationwide outrage, particularly among Hindu communities. The incident occurred on September 13 during a Ganesh immersion procession in Karnataka, where tensions escalated after stones were thrown at participants. Instead of detaining the attackers, the police reportedly arrested the protesters and confiscated the Ganesha idol, causing further unrest.

Maharashtrian Hindus Join the Protest

The uproar has extended beyond Karnataka, reaching Hindu communities in Maharashtra, where the incident is being viewed as an affront to their religious practices. Many see this as a first in independent India's history—where a revered religious figure has allegedly been "arrested," sending shockwaves across the nation.

Political Reactions and Criticism

The incident has drawn strong responses from political circles. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in a Ganapati Aarti has been met with backlash from Congress and the Mahavikas Aghadi coalition, while Chief Justice of India Dhananjay Chandrachud faced criticism for celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi at his residence. Detractors questioned Chandrachud's impartiality, citing his participation in religious festivities.

Hindu festivals, typically celebrated to promote communal harmony, have been marred by political discord, with critics accusing Congress and Uddhav Thackeray's faction of disregarding traditional values. Hindutva activists have been vocal in their criticism, calling out the hypocrisy of leaders who host Iftar parties but object to Ganpati Aartis.

BJP’s Response

The BJP countered by highlighting instances of Congress leaders hosting Iftar parties in the past. BJP spokespersons, including Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora, pointed to events such as the 2009 Iftar attended by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan, accusing Congress of double standards for criticising Modi’s involvement in the Ganapati Aarti.

Controversial Remarks at Sambhaji Brigade Event

Adding to the controversy, derogatory remarks about Hindu deities were made at a Sambhaji Brigade anniversary event. Sharad Pawar and Congress MP Shahu Maharaj were seen laughing during an exchange where crude language was used to describe Hindu figures like Prabhu Sri Ramachandra and Swami Samarth. This has intensified the outrage among Hindu communities, already incensed by the Ganesha idol incident.

The next day, Sharad Pawar made a public appearance at the Raja of Lalbagh, a gesture interpreted as a possible attempt to ease the tensions. However, critics have pointed out that while Pawar frequently attends Iftar parties, he is rarely seen at Hindu religious events such as the Raigad pilgrimage or the Wari pilgrimage, leading to further allegations of political bias.

Impact on Hindu Sentiments

The alleged "arrest" of the Ganesha idol, coupled with the divisive political statements, has heightened tensions between religious communities and political factions. The incident underscores the friction between India’s religious traditions and the political maneuvering of various parties, particularly those that rely on minority votes.

The remarks made during the Sambhaji Brigade event have deepened the sense of betrayal felt by many Hindus, fueling a broader discussion on the treatment of Hindu sentiments in the country’s political landscape.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the Karnataka government is under scrutiny for its handling of the situation, and the political ramifications could be significant in the coming weeks.

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