Profusion of politics in Mysuru Dasara inaugural speeches

Mysuru: The inauguration of Mysuru Dasara, the state’s cultural couture hailed as Nada Habba, saw its grand platform on Thursday being used for political messaging in a manner unseen at least in the recent past. 

From Mysuru Dasara chief guest Hampa Nagarajaiah (HampaNa), the erudite scholar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his deputy D K Shivakumar to senior JD(S) lawmaker G T Deve Gowda, leaders sprinkled their speeches with political messaging, an ode to the uncertain times in which the festival kicked off. 

Siddaramaiah declared -- at a time when he faces a court-ordered investigation and manoeuvres by the Enforcement Directorate -- that he would remain the CM so long as “blessings of the people” are with him. Shivakumar announced that Congress would rule Karnataka for nine more years.

Devegowda topped it up by backing Siddaramaiah while slamming his own party’s leader H D Kumaraswamy. HampaNa indirectly attacked the Modi administration over joblessness and toppling of elected governments. 

The state’s political climate was not as hot as it is now. Siddaramaiah has had to defend his innocence in the face of an investigation and calls for resignation from the Opposition. The high court, too, called for an investigation while upholding Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s decision to have the CM probed.

Earlier this week, after the ED booked Siddaramaiah in a money laundering case, his wife Parvathi surrendered 14 plots to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), whose allotment is what has put the CM in the dock. 

On Thursday, while Siddaramaiah and other dignitaries were inaugurating Mysuru Dasara atop the Chamundi Hill, the sub-registrar completed the process of transferring the sites from the name of Parvathi to MUDA.

By way of six prayers to Goddess Sri Chamundeshwari Devi, HampaNa targeted the Centre and the BJP. He hinted at the “divisive” politics of the Centre and right-wing parties and the efforts being made to build bridges between people.

He implied that the Congress government was striving to uphold democracy and the Constitution, with efforts like the recent “human chain” on Global Democracy Day.

HampaNa eulogised Siddaramaiah as ‘Bahu Bhgyagala Bramha’ and Shivakumar as ‘Jananuragi’ while praising the five guarantees of the Congress government.