Karnataka Dasara Controversy: Ministers Stopped at Puja Site
Bengaluru, October 22
An incident during the Mysuru Dasara celebrations, one of Karnataka's most iconic cultural events, has sparked widespread debate. Three Dalit ministers were allegedly denied entry to a puja, leading to tension at the venue. Superintendent of Police (SP) CB Rishyanth is said to have stopped the ministers from taking part in the 'Nandi Dhwaja Puja' held as part of the 'Jamboo Savari' procession. Dalit organisations and progressive commentators have condemned the development.
The event was reportedly witnessed on Thursday inside the Mysore Palace premises, near the Kote Anjaneya Swamy Temple. Officials and ministers were said to have exchanged words after the ministers' path was obstructed. A clip of the exchange has been shared widely across social media platforms.
Several questions are now being asked, especially about who authorised the SP to restrict access to the worship area. Citizens have also voiced frustration over why ministers were kept from the ritual without any direction from the Chief Minister.
Traditionally, ministers and MLAs accompanying the Chief Minister are allowed to participate in such rituals. On Wednesday, though, only Yatindra Siddaramaiah, the in-charge minister of Mysuru district, was allowed into the puja area alongside Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, Agriculture Minister PM Narendra Swamy and Minister KS Basavanthappa were reportedly stopped by the police officer.
As the ministers tried to move toward the puja spot, the officer allegedly blocked their path. Shivaraj Tangadagi reportedly pushed him aside and expressed anger at being prevented from joining the ritual. The SP then allegedly obstructed Narendra Swamy and Basavanthappa and refused them permission to enter the worship site.
Amid the uproar, Chief Minister Shivakumar intervened and asked the police officer to allow the ministers to take part in the puja. Narendra Swamy reportedly scolded the officer, telling him not to touch them and to maintain a distance. The ministers were then permitted to join the ritual.
Reports also indicate that the SP had earlier stopped senior Congress MLA Tanveer Sait from reaching the puja site. The Chief Minister later stepped in and took Sait to the venue to participate. Additionally, other local MLAs and MLCs were reportedly not allowed inside the puja area.