Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Thursday defended his allegiance to the Congress party after facing criticism for attending a procession linked to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
Parameshwara clarified that his presence at the event was solely to pay tribute to Rani Abbakka, a celebrated freedom fighter, and not to endorse the ABVP.
“I am a true Congressman. I will die as a Congressman. People have known my politics for the last 35 years. My ideological commitment to Congress is unquestionable. If anyone wants to create controversy despite this, let them do so,” he told reporters in Bengaluru.
The minister maintained that he was unaware of the event’s organisers. “When I went to Tiptur for a review meeting, a procession was passing through. I was informed it was in honour of Rani Abbakka. Therefore, I stopped and paid tribute. That was not an ABVP programme. I did not know who organised it. Local MLA Shadakshari was also with me. We respect everyone who fought for independence,” he added.
The episode has reignited debate over Congress leaders’ outreach in religious and cultural spaces, coming just days after Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stirred controversy by reciting the RSS anthem ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale’ in the state assembly.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in Maddur, Mandya district, following communal clashes during a Ganesh idol immersion procession. Police have registered an FIR against BJP MLC C.T. Ravi, accusing him of delivering a “provocative speech” targeting the Muslim community during Wednesday’s immersion programme.
Maddur Police, acting on a complaint filed by Sub-Inspector Manjunath, alleged that Ravi’s remarks were “capable of inciting hatred between communities.” The case was registered suo motu.
The unrest began Monday evening after stone-pelting was reported as the Ganesh procession passed near a mosque, prompting police lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. Protests followed, leading to prohibitory orders, deserted markets, and heavy police deployment in the town.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the crowd had been asked not to linger near the mosque, but clashes broke out regardless. At least 21 people have been arrested in connection with the violence and protests.
Hindu religious organisations have since convened meetings in Maddur, while the district remains tense under strict security surveillance.
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