Karnataka Dasara Row: Ministers Stopped, Govt Faces BJP Attack
Bengaluru, October 22: A fresh political controversy has erupted in Karnataka after three ministers were reportedly stopped from participating in the Nandi Dhwaja Puja during the Jamboo Savari procession at Mysuru Dasara. The BJP has seized on the matter, with leader R Ashok alleging that the incident undermines the government's social justice claims.
The incident reportedly took place on October 21 at the Kote Anjaneya Swamy Temple within the Mysuru Palace premises. Ministers Shivaraj Tangadagi, PM Narendra Swamy and KS Basavanthappa were allegedly denied entry to the programme by police personnel.
Reacting to the development, Ashok said the government's assurances on social justice had been exposed. He raised doubts over whether the police officers had acted on their own or on the basis of hidden directions from above.
“If police officers can stop ministers in such a public manner, who is behind this? Were any secret instructions given from the top?” Ashok said in a statement.
He further asked the Chief Minister whether the fact that all three stopped ministers belonged to the Dalit community was merely a coincidence or part of a planned attempt to weaken Dalit leaders.
Ashok said the government had announced an inquiry after anger spread among people. In his view, the probe appeared more like a way to avoid criticism than a genuine effort to fix responsibility.
Targeting the Congress, he claimed the party often spoke grandly about social justice but was now facing questions over the treatment of three Dalit ministers within its own government.
“When ministers in a government that claims to stand with Scheduled Communities face such treatment, what will ordinary people experience?” he questioned.
According to Ashok, the government could not shield itself from its moral responsibility by blaming officials. He demanded that the Chief Minister accept responsibility and publicly apologise.
He warned that any attempt to suppress the matter through an inquiry could provoke a strong backlash from the Dalit community and the people at large.
The BJP leader also faulted the government over the organisation of the Mysuru Dasara festival, saying it had failed to manage the traditional event effectively.
Ashok alleged that many people who had bought tickets worth Rs 2,000 were unable to enter and watch the celebrations. He said this reflected administrative disorder and negligence, adding, “Dasara is a festival of the people, not a stage for government propaganda.”
He accused the government of being engaged in self-promotion, political benefit and the arrogance of power, while neglecting the comfort, safety and essential needs of the public.
Ashok asked who was responsible for the problems faced by visitors who had come to attend the festival and called on the government to ensure better facilities for them.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday asked Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to investigate the incident and submit a report.
Shivakumar said police officers had behaved arrogantly by preventing ministers, including Balakrishna, PM Narendra Swamy and KS Basavanthappa, from entering the venue for the Nandi Dhwaja Puja.
“I personally intervened immediately and ensured the ministers could enter. But such arbitrary behaviour by officers will not be tolerated. So I have directed the Chief Secretary to probe the matter and submit a report on those responsible,” he said.