Ed Sheeran’s Bengaluru street performance cut short by Police, sparks social media outrage
Bengaluru: British singer Ed Sheeran's impromptu performance on Church Street was halted by Bengaluru Police on Sunday due to a lack of permits, leading to widespread discussion on social media.
Sheeran, who is in Bengaluru for his scheduled concerts, surprised fans with an unannounced street performance. As a crowd gathered, police intervened and stopped the event, with an officer seen unplugging the microphone in a now-viral video. The move has sparked debate online, with many questioning the authorities' response.
However, known DJ and presenter Nikhil Chinappa defended the police action, stating that they had not been informed or asked for permission. He noted that if Sheeran had been mobbed or injured in the rush of fans, it could have led to an international incident. "Sorry lads, the cops were right on this one. Perhaps it could’ve been dealt with differently for optics, but they were right to stop him," he said.
Despite the interruption, Sheeran's brief performance generated excitement among fans. The singer is set to perform at NICE Grounds, marking his debut live concert in the city. As part of his India tour, he will also perform in Pune, Shillong, and Delhi NCR.
Sheeran has expressed his fondness for Indian audiences, recalling how he realised the popularity of his music in the country during his 2015 visit.
This is just abysmal and embarrassing ! Bengaluru cops pull the plug & stop @edsheeran while he was performing live on church Street. His team claims the performance was to last only a few minutes & permission was also taken, cops deny this claim. #BrandBengaluru #EdSheeran. pic.twitter.com/IBMrYiQUxg
— Deepak Bopanna (@dpkBopanna) February 9, 2025
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Hijab decision taken out of fear of Karnataka Muslim convention, alleges Kumaraswamy
Bengaluru: Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy has alleged that the Karnataka government announced its decision on the hijab issue out of fear of the ‘Karnataka Muslim Convention’ scheduled to be held in Bengaluru on May 16 organized by Federation of Karnataka Muslim Organisations.
Addressing a press conference at the JD(S) state office, GP Bhavan, in Bengaluru on Thursday, Kumaraswamy said he respects all religions and has expressed his views on the issue on several public platforms in the past.
Questioning the timing of the government’s move, he said the Congress has been in power for three years and had taken no decision on the hijab issue during that period.
He alleged that the decision was taken only because the ‘Karnataka Muslim Convention’ is scheduled to be held at Town Hall in Bengaluru on May 16.
“If the government had the courage, it should have taken this decision immediately after coming to power. Why did it remain silent for three years?” he asked.
Kumaraswamy accused the Congress of making the announcement to appease a particular community.
He further said the matter is still pending before the courts and claimed that an interim order relating to the hijab issue remains in force.
According to him, issuing such an order before the legal proceedings are concluded amounts to disrespect towards the judiciary.
Kumaraswamy also alleged that the Congress brought the issue back into focus after the Davanagere by-election results.
