Ministers Barred from Mysuru Ritual, CM Seeks Report

The Karnataka government has ordered a probe into an incident in which three ministers were kept away from a ritual during the Mysuru Dasara celebrations. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has asked Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to examine the matter and submit a report.

According to officials, the 'Nandi Dhwaja Puja' was being held at the Mysore Palace premises on Wednesday, October 21, as part of the preparations for the 'Jumbo Savari' procession. Police personnel on security duty stopped ministers from entering the ritual venue.

Superintendent of Police C.B. Rishyanth had been deployed for security arrangements during the festival. The ministers who were stopped have been identified as Shivaraj Tangadagi, P.M. Narendra Swamy and K.S. Basavanthappa.

The Chief Minister said the police officers had acted in a rude manner by preventing the ministers from going to the ritual site. He added that he personally stepped in and ensured the ministers were allowed to enter, but said that such arbitrary conduct by officials could not be accepted.

Shivakumar said he had directed the Chief Secretary to find out who was responsible and to submit a report on the incident. The directive was issued on Thursday.

The Janata Dal (Secular) responded by accusing the Congress-led state government of humiliating Dalit ministers. The party also questioned the government's claims of social justice and its stated adherence to the vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

In a statement released on social media, JD(S) condemned the incident. Party leaders, including H.D. Kumaraswamy, who is Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel and state president of the party, said the Congress viewed Dalits as a vote bank and insulted them after gaining power.

JD(S) asked the Chief Minister why the ministers who had come with him had been left behind rather than being taken to the stage. It also asked whether such treatment of ministers reflected how the government would treat common people.

The party accused the Congress of promoting untouchability while claiming to uphold secular values. It argued that the incident had brought a bad name to Karnataka.

The party also recalled what it described as the Congress's past treatment of Dr. Ambedkar. It alleged that the party had insulted him and defeated him four times in elections, and said the attitude had continued for about 75 years.

Describing the episode in the context of the Goddess Chamundeshwari procession during the Mysuru Dasara, JD(S) said it showed an anti-Dalit mindset. It warned that the government would face the consequences of its actions.

The party called on Dalit ministers in the state cabinet to condemn the conduct of the Chief Minister and the officials involved. It further challenged the ministers to resign if their self-respect had been hurt by the episode.

Home Minister Priyank Kharge was also named by the party, which asked him to respond to the misconduct by officers of his department during the Dasara festival. JD(S) asked him to clarify his position on the issue.

The probe ordered by the Chief Minister is expected to determine the sequence of events and the responsibility of those involved.