Bengaluru, Sep 14 (IANS) Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday appealed to the public to cooperate with police personnel deployed during Ganesh festivities, underlying the sacrifices made by security forces to ensure peaceful celebrations across the state.
Highlighting the scale of security arrangements during last year’s festival, Kharge said Karnataka witnessed 80,558 public Ganesh processions in 2025, for which more than 1.02 lakh police personnel, Home Guards and Central Armed Police Forces were deployed to maintain law and order.
“More than one lakh men and women in uniform spent the festival away from their own families so that the rest of us could celebrate,” Kharge said in a statement.
He said while people were praying, celebrating, dancing and participating in processions, police personnel remained on the streets for hours to manage crowds, regulate traffic, prevent conflicts and ensure that people returned home safely.
Kharge pointed out that the personnel had to miss time with their parents, spouses and children while performing their duties during the festival. “When they make that sacrifice, the very least we can do is respect it,” he said.
The Home Minister appealed to people to act responsibly during the festival, cooperate with the police, follow their instructions and treat security personnel with dignity. “Behind every uniform is a family waiting for them too,” Kharge said, adding that police personnel gave up their festival celebrations to protect the celebrations of others.
He urged people to show appreciation for the Karnataka Police, stressing that even a little recognition could go a long way in acknowledging their service and sacrifice.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations were marked with religious fervour across Karnataka on Monday, with devotees thronging temples and markets as part of the state-wide festivities.
In Bengaluru, authorities put in place extensive security measures. Besides the existing CCTV network, about 3,000 additional cameras have been installed to monitor sensitive and hyper-sensitive areas.
Karnataka State Reserve Police platoons have been deployed at key locations, while drones are being used for aerial surveillance. Police have also issued guidelines regarding the use of loudspeakers and strengthened security arrangements along procession routes.
Meanwhile, tightened security was enforced in T. Narasipur town of Mysuru district following controversy over remarks allegedly made by a police inspector regarding a Ganesh procession route. The issue has acquired political overtones, with the BJP demanding action against the officer.
–IANS
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