Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has sought suspension of Mr. Dhananjay, circle inspector from T. Narasipura in Mysuru district, for his alleged intimidating remarks against some Ganesh Mandal members.

During a peace committee meeting , Mr. Dhananjay has threatened young members of Ganesh Mandal with dire consequences if they violated some rules. He said that the Ganesha procession would not be permitted to pass through streets where mosques were located.

He insisted that the procession must not go near mosques under any circumstances, and that activities such as bursting firecrackers, dancing, or shouting slogans in those areas would not be tolerated. He directed that the procession must follow only the route prescribed by the police.

“He has warned that if any incident occurred that compromised law and order, the police would not merely talk but take decisive action, promising strict measures without leniency. This is nothing but threatening innocent youths and intimidating them regarding the celebration of their festival,’’ Mr. Joshi told reporters in Hubballi on Sunday (September 13, 2026). “It is an unforgivable offence on the part of the inspector to publicly threaten youth who had come together to celebrate the festival with devotion. It is truly unfortunate that in our own country and on our own soil, Hindus are forced to plead for permission to celebrate Ganeshotsava with grandeur.”

“I want to question who gave the audacity and authority to publicly threaten youth from the Ganesha committees. I want to know if this authority was granted to the police department, by the Home Minister Priyank Kharge or if it was a diktat stemming from the appeasement politics of D.K. Shivakumar’s Congress government. The officer should understand that his duty is to maintain law and order and not to act like an agent of a specific community and issue threats to others. The attempt to curtail the celebration of Hindu festivals under the pretext of law and order reflects this government’s anti-Hindu stance. We will not tolerate any attempt to undermine our Sanatana culture, traditions, and devotion under any circumstances,’’ Mr Joshi said.