BJP leader banned from visiting Bidar after permission denied for Hindu event

BJP leader Madhavi Latha has been banned from entering Bidar, Karnataka, until Monday, following an order from District Collector Girish Badole. The decision comes after the collector denied permission for a scheduled meeting by a Hindu group on Sunday and prohibited key leaders from attending, citing concerns over maintaining law and order in the district.
Along with Madhavi Latha, other leaders including Shree Ram Sena chief Pramod Muthalik and self-proclaimed Hindutva activist Kajal Hindustani have been barred from entering Bidar.
In his order, Badole described these individuals as “habitual offenders” known for making communal speeches that could potentially disturb peace in the area. The restriction is set to last from midnight on December 7 until 6 am on December 9.
To further ensure public safety, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (formerly Section 144) has been invoked at the Sai School grounds, the venue for the planned event. This law prohibits gatherings of five or more people.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the organisers of the event, who accused the collector of deliberately attempting to “suppress Hindu voices”.