Controversy Erupts as Dalit Ministers Barred from Participating in Mysuru Dasara Rituals
A dispute arises in Karnataka after Dalit ministers are allegedly prevented from joining a key ritual during the Mysuru Dasara celebrations.
Bengaluru, October 22 (Daily Kiran) : The Mysuru Dasara festival in Karnataka has been marred by controversy after three Dalit ministers were reportedly barred from participating in a significant ritual. The incident occurred during the ‘Jambu Savari’ procession when Superintendent of Police C.B. Rishyanth allegedly stopped the ministers from joining the ‘Nandi Dhwaja Puja.’ This action has drawn sharp criticism from Dalit organizations and progressive thinkers.
The incident unfolded on Thursday near the Kote Anjaneya Swami temple within the Mysuru Palace grounds. Tensions escalated when the ministers confronted the police officer, leading to a heated exchange that was captured on video and circulated on social media. Questions have arisen regarding who authorized the SP to deny access to the ministers at the ritual site. Many are outraged, arguing that the ministers should not have been obstructed without explicit instructions from the Chief Minister.
According to protocol, ministers and legislators accompanying the Chief Minister are typically permitted to participate in such rituals. However, on Wednesday, only Yatindra Siddaramaiah, the minister in charge of Mysuru district, was allowed entry with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. In contrast, Kannada and Culture Minister Shivraj Tangadagi, Agriculture Minister P.M. Narendra Swamy, and Minister K.S. Basavantappa were stopped by the police.
As the ministers attempted to proceed to the ritual site, the police officer allegedly blocked their path. Minister Shivraj Tangadagi expressed his frustration by confronting the officer. Following this, the SP prevented Ministers Narendra Swamy and Basavantappa from entering the site. The situation prompted Chief Minister Shivakumar to intervene, instructing the officer to allow the ministers to participate.
Reports indicate that earlier, the SP had also barred senior Congress legislator Tanveer Sait from reaching the ritual site. Chief Minister Shivakumar later stepped in to escort Sait to the ceremony. Additionally, other local legislators and MLCs were reportedly denied access to the ritual area as well.
