Hindutva Outfits Protest in Hubballi Over Bagalkot ‘Jihadi’ Stone-Throwing During Shivaji Jayanti Procession.

B Upendran | HENB | Hubbali | Feb 27, 2026:: Members of various organisations, primarily Hindutva outfits, staged a protest at Ambedkar Circle in Hubballi on Thursday (Feb 26, 2026) condemning the recent stone-throwing incident during a Shivaji Jayanti procession in Bagalkot. Many members of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also joined the protest.

The incident occurred on February 19 night when some Muslim miscreants allegedly pelted stones on Shivaji Jayanti Procession from Pankha Masjid. Two persons, including the Bagalkot Superintendent of Police, sustained minor injuries.

The Thursday protesters garlanded the statue of B. R. Ambedkar at the venue and later placed a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the protest site before commencing the demonstration.

Prateek of Bhagat Singh Seva Sangha alleged that the State government was favouring one community for political reasons while ignoring the concerns of others. He called for unity among Hindus, stating that social divisions should be set aside for collective progress.

Pramod Muthalik, national president of Sri Rama Sene, claimed that stones and footwear were thrown by ‘Jihadi elements’ during what he described as a peaceful rally in Bagalkot. He accused the State government of failing to take firm action against those responsible. According to him, only a limited number of arrests have been made despite police personnel sustaining injuries during the incident.

He added that members of his organisation had submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner’s office demanding the arrest of all those present at the mosque during the incident, not just eight individuals, and called for action against mosque officials.

Muthalik also criticised the Congress party, accusing it of arrogance and taking controversial positions on historical and religious matters, referring to past court affidavits and related issues.

Calling upon members of the Hindu community to remain vigilant and protest, he cautioned that failure to do so could lead to the recurrence of similar incidents.

Vishwanath Godur, State president of Jai Bhim Sangha, said those involved in the stone-throwing incident appeared to have little fear of the law. Referring to a video of the episode, he stated that several individuals were present at the scene, but only a few had been arrested so far.

The protesters also condemned the alleged appeasement of Muslims by the Karnataka government led by Siddaramaiah, claiming that it has led to a rise in Islamic vandalism in the state.

Police have not yet issued a detailed public statement regarding further arrests or additional action in connection with the Bagalkot incident.