JD(S) workers protest against Hassan DC

Leaders and workers of the Janata Dal (Secular) in Hassan on Wednesday protested against Deputy Commissioner KS Lathakumari opposing notices issued to Superintendent of Police and office bearers of the Celebration Committee Pandal Ganapathi for violating the bans.

The protesters raised slogans against the Deputy Commissioner and formed a human chain at NR Circle. They described her actions as arbitrary and demanded that she withdraw her statements.

Hassan MLA HP Swaroop, who is also the honorary president of the Ganesha Pandal Celebrations Committee, said the committee had been immersing the idol in the Devigere tank for the last 72 years. However, the Deputy Commissioner issued prohibitory orders this time which hurt the sentiments of the devotees, he said. She should have discussed the matter with committee members before taking any decision, he added.

Former Minister and Arakalgud MLA A. Manju urged Excise Minister KM Shivalinge Gowda, who is also in-charge of Hassan area, to intervene. “The minister does not know the development. He should have already intervened and solved the problem,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner recently reported to Police Inspector Shubhanwit and members of the Ganesha Celebration Committee office about the immersion of the Ganesha idol in the Devigere tank on October 3 in violation of the bans it had banned.

Published – 07 Oct 2026 20:17 IST