# Karnataka farmer protests and religious idol controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/karnataka-farmer-protests-and-religious-idol-controversy
> Updated: 2026-09-26T10:34:48.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

A political controversy has emerged in Karnataka following the removal of a Ganesh idol by police during an operation to clear a road blockade. The blockade was staged by farmers protesting the proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township Project in Bidadi.

Farmers have been conducting an indefinite hunger strike near Bairamangala since September 21. During the police intervention to restore traffic on the Bidadi-Harohalli main road, officers removed the religious idol and detained several protesters, including women. 

The BJP has criticized the Congress-led government, accusing it of ignoring both farmers’ concerns and religious sentiments. Senior BJP leader R. Ashok stated that the administration should have focused on addressing land acquisition grievances and engaging in dialogue rather than removing the deity from the protest site.

## Claims

- Karnataka Police removed a Ganesh idol while clearing a road blockade. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- BJP leader R. Ashok stated the government should have addressed farmers' demands rather than removing the idol. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Farmers have been on an indefinite hunger strike near Bairamangala since September 21. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Police detained several protesters, including women farmers, during the operation. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The protests are directed against the proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township Project. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Karnataka police removal of Ganesh idol sparks political row

The BJP has criticized the Karnataka government after police removed a Ganesh idol while clearing a farmer-led blockade protesting the Bidadi Township Project.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karnataka-police-removal-of-ganesh-idol-sparks-political-row

### 2026-09-20: Karnataka protesters demand reinstallation of Siddaramaiah statue

Protesters in Karnataka are demanding the reinstallation of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s statue in Kalaburagi and calling for action against officials responsible for its removal.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karnataka-protesters-demand-reinstallation-of-siddaramaiah-statue

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Cite as: Karnataka farmer protests and religious idol controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/karnataka-farmer-protests-and-religious-idol-controversy