New Delhi, 8 September (H.S.): Former CM and MP Basavaraja Bommai demanded that a magesterial inquiry must be held into the Maddur incident when some miscreants pelted stones on the Ganesha idol immersion procession in Maddur taluk of Mandya district as was a pre-planned act. It also reflects the failure of both the police department and the government. The government must apprehend the culprits and punish them.

The riots are a consequence of appeasement politics.

Speaking to the media in New Delhi on Monday, he said that during the Ganesh festival procession in Maddur, stones were stockpiled and thrown. The police department completely failed in making proper security arrangements. The cops reached the spot only after the incident. Innocent people have been arrested. When Hindu organizations protested today, the police resorted to lathi charge on them without reason. The police of following a repressive policy.

He saidnChief Minister Siddaramaiah, who often speaks about the Constitution, must remember that the Constitution grants every religious community the right to celebrate their festivals. Eid Milad is celebrated peacefully across the state. But why should there be conspiracies to create violence during Ganesh festival? For this Hindu festival, the police impose restrictions on worship, processions, and sound systems. Isn’t this unconstitutional? Police could take all communities into confidence and allow celebrations. In Shivamogga, Chitradurga, and North Karnataka, Ganesh processions were carried out peacefully. Why was it not possible in Mandya? It is the failure of both the police and the government in Mandya, he said.

Irresponsible statement

Bommai said Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara has taken the incident very lightly and spoken irresponsibly. It is the government’s duty to maintain law and order. Instead of unnecessarily blaming the BJP, they must learn to perform their duty impartially. This incident is the result of appeasement politics. This government has given the impression to anti-social elements that whatever they do, they will be spared. As a result, without fear of law or police, they are indulging in violent acts. This is highly condemnable. Peace must prevail in Mandya, and all communities must be allowed to celebrate their festivals. A Magistrate’s inquiry should be conducted in this matter.

District in-charge and Agriculture Minister N.Cheluvarayaswamy has blamed the opposition which is very easy. Fighting for justice for those who have been wronged is the responsibility of the opposition. We are doing our duty. It is the government’s role to maintain law and order. To cover up their failures, the opposition is issuing politically motivated statements.”

Protection for rioters

When asked whether the withdrawal of cases against rioters had encouraged such incidents, Bommai said the CM withdrew cases against PFI and SDPI, which led to the attack on a police station in Mysuru. He attempted to withdraw cases against those involved in the DJ Halli and KG Halli riots. Siddaramaiah withdrew cases against those who attacked a police station in Hubballi. Withdrawing cases against such anti-social and disruptive elements is also a kind of provocation. The Congress government in the state is directly responsible for this incident. If elections were held right now, Congress would be thrown out. Congress leaders have no strength to face the people.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Rakesh Mahadevappa