Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday accused the BJP of inciting unrest, calling it “an expert in spoiling peace,” after communal clashes during a Ganesha idol immersion procession in Maddur, Mandya district.

Prohibitory orders have been imposed in the town, where 21 people have been arrested. Siddaramaiah said the violence broke out when the procession passed near a mosque and organisers ignored police instructions.

Rejecting BJP’s charge that Hindus were prevented from celebrating, he said, “If there is anyone disturbing peace, it’s them only.” He warned of strict action against miscreants from any community.

District Minister N. Chaluvarayaswamy also alleged that the BJP was using communal issues to build its political base in Maddur.