Mysuru: A political disagreement has surfaced within the Karnataka Congress over plans to observe Constitution Day on November 26 in Mysuru, after the state government decided to organise a state-level convention at the same venue where a Dalit organisations-led awareness programme was being planned by former minister H.C. Mahadevappa.
The Dalit Sangharsha Ikya Horata Samiti and Samvidhana Janandolana Samiti, led by Mahadevappa, had been preparing for an awareness convention for more than a month. The proposed event was also seen as an opportunity for Mahadevappa to demonstrate his support base among Dalit organisations.
However, the government’s decision to hold its own state-level Constitution Day programme on the same date and at the same venue has brought the differences within the party into focus.
Two Constitution Day programmes planned
Mahadevappa and the Dalit organisations had planned a two-day conference on the Constitution and democracy at Maharaja’s College grounds on November 26 and 27. The event is being organised by Dalit organisations, Constitution protection groups and the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Research and Extension Centre of the University of Mysore. Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi is scheduled to inaugurate the conference. India Live+1
Meanwhile, a meeting was held in Bengaluru on October 29 under the leadership of Siddaramaiah and Mysuru district in-charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah to discuss preparations for the state government’s Constitution Day programme in Mysuru on November 26.
Several ministers and legislators from the Mysuru region attended the meeting. Mahadevappa was notably absent. Star of Mysore+1
The meeting was attended by ministers K.H. Muniyappa, U.T. Khader, N. Cheluvarayaswamy, P.M. Narendraswamy and C. Puttarangashetty, along with legislators and senior leaders from the region. Mahadevappa’s absence from the meeting has added to speculation about differences between the two leaders. Star of Mysore+1
Dalit organisations may consider alternate venue
The proposed use of Maharaja’s College grounds for the government’s programme has raised questions about the arrangements for the conference organised by the Dalit groups.
However, representatives of the organisations have indicated that they would welcome the government holding a Constitution Day programme on the same theme. If the government proceeds with its event at Maharaja’s College grounds, they are prepared to shift their conference to another venue.
Mahadevappa has been associated with the preparations for the conference, which the organisers say has been planned over several months. Prism+1
Political significance of the parallel events
The developments have drawn attention to the political relationship between Siddaramaiah and Mahadevappa, who were once regarded as close associates within the Congress.
Mahadevappa has reportedly maintained some distance from Siddaramaiah after being left out of the ministerial team. His absence from the October 29 meeting and the parallel preparations for the November 26 programmes have fuelled speculation about differences between the two leaders.
Political observers see the developments as reflecting competing political influence in the Mysuru region, with Siddaramaiah’s camp, represented locally by Yathindra, taking the lead in organising the government’s event, while Mahadevappa remains associated with the Dalit organisations’ conference.
Neither leader has publicly confirmed a personal or political dispute over the arrangements. The two programmes are expected to bring Constitution Day celebrations and the political dynamics within the state Congress into focus in Mysuru.