Investigation Ordered After Ministers Blocked from Ritual at Mysuru Dasara Festival

Bengaluru, October 22 (Daily Kiran) : During the Mysuru Dasara festival, an incident involving police and three ministers has sparked controversy in Karnataka. On October 21, Superintendent of Police C.B. Rishyanth prevented the ministers from participating in the Nandi Dhwaja puja during the Jambu Savari procession. This action prompted the Janata Dal (Secular) party to accuse the Karnataka government of disrespecting Dalit ministers.

The ministers involved include H.D. Kumaraswamy, the Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel and the state president of the JD(S). The party condemned the incident on social media, alleging that Congress views Dalits merely as a vote bank, only to disrespect them once in power.

JD(S) criticized Congress for its treatment of Dalit ministers, stating, “This is how Congress behaves towards Dalits, using them as a vote bank and humiliating them once they gain power.” They questioned Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar about why the ministers were not allowed to access the stage.

The party further asked, “If ministers are treated this way, what can ordinary citizens expect? Is this your version of social justice? Does this reflect your commitment to the ideals of Ambedkar?” JD(S) accused Congress of promoting untouchability, despite its claims to uphold secular values, and asserted that this incident tarnished Karnataka’s reputation.

Moreover, JD(S) pointed to Congress’s historical disrespect towards Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, claiming that the party has defeated the Dalit leader in elections multiple times. They argued that Congress’s attitude remains unchanged even after 75 years.

Referring to the procession honoring Goddess Chamundeshwari, JD(S) described the incident as indicative of an anti-Dalit mindset. The party warned that the government would face consequences for such actions and urged all Dalit ministers in the state cabinet to condemn the behavior of the Chief Minister and officials involved.

JD(S) stated that working under someone who undermines their dignity is inherently disrespectful. They challenged the ministers to resign if their honor was truly compromised.

Additionally, the party targeted State Home Minister Priyank Kharge, demanding an explanation for the misconduct by his department’s officials during the festival.

In response to the uproar, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar instructed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to investigate the incident and submit a report. He noted that police officers had unreasonably barred ministers, including Shivraj Tangadgi, P.M. Narendra Swamy, and K.S. Basavanthappa, from entering the ritual site.

Shivakumar stated, “I personally intervened to facilitate the ministers’ entry, but such arbitrary behavior by officials is unacceptable. Therefore, I have directed the Chief Secretary to investigate those responsible and report back.”