The Karnataka governments purported arrest of Lord Ganesha has triggered widespread indignation across the nation. On September 13, during a Ganesh immersion procession in Congress-ruled Karnataka, the event turned tumultuous as stones were hurled at participants. Rather than detaining the assailants, the police arrested those protesting the incident and seized the Ganesha idol, escalating tensions.Ever heard God being arrested by Police...!!!Today in Bangaluru when group of Hindu Activists were protesting condemning the stone-pelting by Muslims on a Ganesha procession in Nagamangala, Mandya,Bglore Police not only arrested the Hindu Activists but also Lord Ganesha. 😩 pic.twitter.com/OaHLLT9VPn— Adarsh Hegde (@adarshahgd) September 13, 2024Maharashtrian Hindus join the outcryThe controversy has reverberated beyond Karnataka, with Hindu communities in Maharashtra expressing their deep discontent. This unprecedented event has sent shockwaves through the Karnataka region, marking a historic first in independent Indias religious and political landscape.Political responses and criticismsPrime Minister Narendra Modis participation in a Ganapati Aarti has faced backlash from Congress and the Mahavikas Aghadi coalition. Chief Justice of India Dhananjay Chandrachud, who speaks Marathi, also faced criticism for installing Shri Ganesha at his residence. Critics questioned Chandrachuds impartiality due to his involvement in the religious celebration.Hindu festivals, traditionally meant to foster communal harmony, appear to be overshadowed by political discord. Critics argue that Congress and the Uddhav Thackeray faction seem to have neglected this tradition, with Hindutva activists questioning the contradiction of leaders who host Iftar parties while opposing Ganpati Aarti.BJPs counterargumentsIn response, the BJP reminded Congress of past occasions when Iftar parties were hosted, such as the 2009 event attended by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan. BJP spokespersons, including Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora, criticized Congress for its hypocrisy in objecting to Modis Ganapati Aarti while permitting similar events in the past.Controversial remarks at Sambhaji Brigade eventAt a recent Sambhaji Brigade anniversary event, derogatory remarks about Hindu deities were made by patron Sharad Pawar and Congress MP Shahu Maharaj. The remarks included crude language targeting Prabhu Sri Ramachandra and Swami Samarth, and Pawar and Maharaj were seen laughing during the incident.The following day, Sharad Pawar visited the Raja of Lalbagh, possibly acknowledging the gravity of the situation. Critics pointed out that while Pawar regularly attends Iftar parties, he has not been seen at Raigad or participating in the Wari pilgrimage. The varied responses from political parties such as Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, National Conference, and Aam Aadmi Party, particularly those dependent on fatwas for electoral support, pose a significant challenge to Hindu sentiments.Impact on Hindu sentimentsThe incident involving Lord Ganeshas alleged arrest and the subsequent political reactions underscore ongoing tensions between religious traditions and political maneuvers in India. The controversial statements made at the Sambhaji Brigade event, including Gyanesh Maharaos hurtful comments, have further exacerbated the situation, highlighting the deep-seated issues affecting Hindu communities.
