BENGALURU: Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa has come under criticism from ministerial colleagues, police officers and public-health experts for giving the go-ahead to Bengaluru Karaga, which is set to be held on Wednesday night, despite the lockdown over Covid-19 fears.They expressed strong apprehensions that devotees in large numbers could descend on Sri Dharmarayaswamy temple in the busy trading hub of the city central, raising fears of a possible cluster infection.The CM gave green light for Karaga with a rider that not more than five persons should be allowed to congregate at the 350-year-old annual festival. Sources said it's likely that the congregation could be in thousands. Some 300 devotees have already arrived at the venue, a source said.A senior cabinet minister said, "What is the need for granting permission for a religious event especially when Covid-19 cases are on the rise? The CM should desist from taking what seems to be a political decision in these times."Officials from the BBMP's health cell and police department, too, have raised red flags. A senior IAS officer implementing the lockdown said the CM was, perhaps, under pressure from a section of Bengaluru city MLAs. "The CM should have discussed the issue threadbare with the officials enforcing the lockdown,'' the senior officer said.The officer referred to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi and said the government can ill-afford a risk of that scale. The police department had earlier refused permission for Karaga procession fearing participation by thousands of devotees.Sources said Chickpet BJP MLA Uday Garudachar and Congress leader PR Ramesh reportedly assured the CM they will not allow devotees to turn up in hundreds on the day of Karaga. "The only reason we wanted the festival to be held as per schedule is its centuries-old tradition. Violation invites police action,'' said the lawmaker.The government said Karaga-related rituals will be held with just five members. "We will ensure there is adequate police security," said revenue minister R Ashoka. Deputy chief minister CN Ashwath Narayan said police will ensure the CM's rider for the festival is obeyed.However, Thigala community leaders confirmed Karaga cannot be reduced to a five-member affair. "We need at least 20 people to conduct the rituals. Because of Covid-19 concerns, we will not take out a procession," said Sri Dharmarayaswamy temple president Rajgopal, adding they have sent messages through flysheets and WhatsApp groups asking devotees not to come to the Karaga venue.