Mandya: A procession carrying 108 Ganesha idols passed through Maddur on Wednesday and concluded peacefully with the immersion of the idols in Shimsha River near Thimmadas Hotel amid tight security.Organised by BJP and JD(S) workers, the procession began around noon from Ishwara Temple on Malavalli Road and passed through Pete Bidi and Kolli Circle before reaching the immersion point. The seven-km-long procession featured folk and cultural troupes and drew a large number of participants. The town wore a saffron hue, with flags, buntings and banners adorning major roads and junctions. More than 600 police personnel were deployed, including one SP, four DSPs, 10 PIs, 14 PSIs and 35 ASIs, besides KSRP and CRPF personnel. Thirty additional CCTV cameras were installed at sensitive points along the route.DJ sound systems were prohibited in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines, while permitted loudspeakers were allowed.Bursting of crackers leads to tension Tension briefly surfaced near Jamia Mosque when some participants burst crackers and raised slogans. Police intervened and seized the crackers, leading to an argument with activists, who attempted to stage a road blockade. SP Shobharani held talks with the protesters and persuaded them to clear the road, following which the procession resumed.Leader of the opposition R Ashoka, who participated in the event, accused Congress govt of imposing restrictions on Ganeshotsav celebrations and alleged that Hindus were being treated as “second-class citizens”. Addressing reporters, Ashoka said govt should not create hurdles for the festival and questioned the action taken against right-wing organisers following recent incidents.BJP functionaries Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and CT Ravi also participated in the procession.
