States » SouthPosted at: Oct 22 2026 7:12PM


JD(S) turns Mysuru Dasara protocol row into Dalit dignity issue

Bengaluru, Oct 22 (UNI) The alleged denial of access to three Dalit ministers during the Nandidhwaja puja at Mysuru Dasara has triggered a political confrontation in Karnataka, with the Janata Dal (Secular) accusing the Congress government of hypocrisy on social justice and demanding that the ministers assert their dignity or resign.
The controversy escalated on Thursday after police personnel allegedly prevented ministers Shivaraj Tangadgi, PM Narendra Swamy and KS Basavanthappa from entering the venue at the Mysuru Palace premises to participate in the ceremonial worship on Wednesday, during the Jamboo Savari celebrations.
The JD(S), an NDA ally led in Karnataka by union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, seized on the incident to question the Congress government's commitment to the ideals of Dr BR Ambedkar, accusing it of using Dalits as a vote bank while failing to protect their dignity when in power.
"If ministers themselves are subjected to such treatment, what would be the plight of ordinary people under your administration?" the party asked in a statement on social media, directly challenging the government's claims of social justice and constitutional commitment.
The party demanded that Dalit ministers in the state Cabinet condemn the alleged conduct and questioned whether they could continue in office if their self-respect had been compromised. It also targeted the state Home Minister, seeking an explanation for the conduct of police personnel deployed for security at the high-profile cultural event.
The political attack puts the Congress government on the defensive over an incident that goes beyond security arrangements at a ceremonial venue, raising questions about official protocol, accountability and the treatment of elected representatives.
However, the circumstances behind the alleged denial of entry and the responsibility of individual officers remain subject to the inquiry ordered by the Chief Minister.
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday directed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to investigate the incident and submit a report identifying those responsible.
Shivakumar said he had intervened personally to facilitate the ministers' entry after police officers allegedly stopped them from reaching the venue. Describing the officers' conduct as arrogant and high-handed, he said such behaviour could not be tolerated.
The inquiry is expected to establish why the ministers were stopped, whether security protocols were followed and who was responsible for the incident.
The JD(S), however, sought to widen the political fallout by accusing the Congress of continuing a pattern of disrespect towards Dalit leaders and invoking Ambedkar's historical differences with the party.
The party alleged that the episode exposed a gap between Congress party's public commitment to social justice and its conduct in government.
The party also challenged State Home Minister Priyank Kharge to respond to the allegations, saying the government could not remain vocal on selected issues while avoiding questions over the treatment of Dalit ministers.
The episode has given the opposition an opportunity to question the Congress on a politically sensitive issue even as the state government has initiated an official inquiry.
The findings could prove crucial in determining whether the incident was a security or protocol lapse, as well as in establishing accountability for the alleged treatment of the ministers.
With the controversy now centred on Dalit dignity, administrative responsibility and the government's social justice credentials, the inquiry is likely to shape the next phase of the political battle in Karnataka.
UNI BDN
Tags: #JD(S) turns Mysuru Dasara protocol row into Dalit dignity issue
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