Mysuru: MLA alleges protocol violations during Vijayadashami procession

Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa raised concerns on Tuesday about what he described as breaches of protocol during the Vijayadashami procession in Mysuru. He pointed to the presence of Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, the wife of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and the chief ministers of the neighboring states of Kerala and Telangana, all of whom were seated on a special platform to scatter flower petals over the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. Srivatsa argued that such arrangements gave an unfair political advantage and deviated from the traditional format of the festival ceremony.

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is a major Hindu festival that marks the victory of good over evil and draws large crowds to temples across Karnataka. In recent years, political leaders have increasingly used the occasion to connect with voters, often by participating in the ritual of offering flowers to the deity. While officials are allowed to attend as guests, the allocation of a dedicated platform for senior politicians is unusual and has sparked debate about the separation of religious events from partisan display.

The MLA’s complaint has prompted calls for an inquiry by the state’s legislative oversight committee, which could examine whether administrative guidelines were ignored. For citizens of India, especially those in Karnataka, the issue raises questions about the appropriate role of government representatives in religious gatherings and the potential for perceived favoritism. The outcome may influence how future festivals are organized and whether stricter rules will be introduced to maintain the secular character of public ceremonies.