Karnataka’s Hindu Festivals Face Restrictions While Christian, Islamic Events Go Unscathed.

Restrictions on Hindu Festivals in Karnataka: Police are selectively targeting Hindu events while being lenient towards Christian and Islamic gatherings.

B Upendran | HENB | Bengaluru |  Aiug 20, 2025:: The Karnataka Assembly recently witnessed a heated debate over allegations that police were causing trouble during Hindu festivals and traditional events by enforcing strict rules on sound systems and timings. BJP MLA Vedavyas Kamath claimed that police seized sound systems during the Janmashtami celebrations, citing excess noise levels. Such restrictions on Hindu festivals have sparked controversy, with BJP MLAs alleging that police are selectively targeting Hindu events while being lenient towards Christian and Islamic gatherings.

Key Issues
– Sound System Restrictions: Police have been accused of seizing sound systems during Hindu festivals, citing excess noise levels. BJP MLA Vedavyas Kamath alleged that this is a new development since the Congress government came to power.
– Timing Restrictions: Events are not allowed to be held after 10 pm, as per government and court orders. BJP’s Bharath Shetty claimed that police are asking processions to wind up before 11:30 pm, which is impractical.
– Disparity in Enforcement: BJP MLAs argue that police do not object to Christian or Islamic events held overnight, but impose strict restrictions on Hindu festivals.Even there is no control over the five times daily adhans from mosques, violating sound and time restrictions both.

Reactions from Stakeholders
– BJP MLAs: Claimed that police restrictions are causing “mental stress” to people and accused the government of targeting Hindu festivals.
– Congress MLAs: Objected to BJP’s claims, with PM Narendraswamy pointing out that BJP had previously called for restrictions on loudspeakers at mosques.
– Government Response: Minister Chaluvarayaswamy stated that traditional events are allowed locally in some taluks, but police will act if law-and-order issues arise. He will discuss the issue with Home Minister G Parameshwara and School Education & Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa.

Clash Between Tradition and Law
The controversy highlights the tension between maintaining law and order and respecting tradition. While the government defends police actions as necessary for public safety, BJP MLAs argue that these restrictions are unfair and target Hindu festivals specifically. The debate has sparked concerns about communal polarization and the potential impact on Karnataka’s social harmony.

Row of Narratives
The issue remains unresolved, with both sides claiming victory in framing the narrative. The matter may intensify if communities escalate protests, making it a key political flashpoint. A possible solution could involve setting clear guidelines for permissions, involving community leaders in decision-making, and ensuring that restrictions are temporary and justified.

But, it is clear that the present Siddaramaiah government under the I.N.D.I. Alliance is violating the religious rights of Hindus in order to appease Muslims and Christians in the state.
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_With Inputs From Deccan Herald.