From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Feb 27: After the denial of permission for Vishwa Hindu Parishad chief Praveen Togadia for addressing the rally in Bengaluru last month, Karnataka’s Home Minister K J George has clarified that the State Government or the Home Department will not interfere with regard to the proposed VHP rally in Mysuru on March 11.

“The police will take a decision strictly in accordance with the law and order situation,’’ George said while speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Friday.

The minister declared that he or his department would not interfere on giving or denying the permission for the Hindu Virat Sammelan in Mysuru.

“The local police will take a decision in accordance with law and order situation,’’ he declared.

“The Commissioner of police of Mysore is vested with powers to take decision as the proposed rally should not disturb law and order in the city of palaces,’’ he said adding: ``I will not interfere in it.’’

Asked about the frequent communal clashes in the State, the minister said the number of such incidents had been less when compared to previous government.

Some mischievous elements in both the groups were trying to vitiate the atmosphere. But, the government took strong measures in Shivamogga City and arrested culprits. No government fell in the State on the issue of communal clashes in the past. Such events would not destabilize the incumbent government, he said.

It may be recalled that Shivamogga City witnessed clashes after the People's Democratic Front (PDF) activists reportedly raised slogans against the Hindus.

The minister claimed that the police acted in restraint and controlled the situation without bursting teargas shells or firing in the air.

The local police has taken up investigation and no efforts will be spared to punish the guilty, he said.

To a demand for banning PDF for creating trouble, George said banning any group was not a solution to the problem. In that case, the government had to ban not only PDF but also other pro-Hindu organisations.

It is wrong on anybody to dub Congress Party as anti-Hindu or pro-Muslims. The party has members belonging to both parties.

The majority of voters in my constituency are Hindus and they are supporting me. It is the handiwork of some parties to divide people on caste line for their political gains, he said.

About two persons including a college girl who was mowed down by a speeding water tanker near Esteem Mall in Hebbal in the city on Thursday, he said instruction had been given to BBMP to put skywalk at the accident spot for the safety of pedestrians.

A motor vehicle inspector was probing the matter to know the exact reason for the accident, he said.