Congress govt using police to curb Hindu festivals, alleges MP Brijesh Chowta

Congress govt using police to curb Hindu festivals, alleges MP Brijesh Chowta

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Aug 21, 2025: Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta has accused the Congress government of deliberately hurting Hindu sentiments by imposing arbitrary restrictions on religious celebrations through the police department.

Responding to recent incidents in Dakshina Kannada district, the MP said that police have been denying permission to use loudspeakers and creating unnecessary hurdles during festivals such as Krishna Janmashtami. “Tulu Nadu is renowned for its rich traditions of Daiva worship, religious and cultural celebrations like kola, nema, yakshagana, and Brahmakalasha. But shockingly, police have now filed cases against festival organizers and sound system providers for using loudspeakers during Krishna Janmashtami. This is highly condemnable,” he said.

He questioned who had instructed the police to suddenly frame such rules that hurt Hindu sentiments. “During the previous BJP government, although certain conditions were imposed on loudspeaker usage, there was no obstruction to festivals. Now, it appears that the Siddaramaiah government is using the police to deliberately interfere in Hindu religious celebrations,” Chowta alleged.

He further pointed out that police have already registered cases against sound system owners in several places and even seized equipment, leaving them distressed. Many have now declared that they will no longer provide loudspeakers for public programs. “This will cause severe financial hardship to those dependent on the sound business. If this continues, festivals like Chauthi, Hulivesha, and Navaratri will also face serious disruptions,” he warned, urging the government to intervene immediately and ensure that people can celebrate festivals without harassment.

Chowta recalled that during Home Minister Parameshwara’s recent visit to the district, local MLAs had already explained the significance of traditional celebrations and held discussions on the issue. “Even today, our legislators Bharath Y. Shetty, Vedavyas Kamath, and Harish Poonja raised the matter in the Assembly. The government must respect Hindu sentiments and allow festivals to be celebrated without restrictions as before. If the Congress government continues to provoke religious feelings, it must be ready to take direct responsibility for the consequences,” Chowta warned.