Mysuru: Mysore-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has criticised the Congress-led Karnataka government over the alleged denial of permission for a Ganesha Chaturthi procession on Mosque Road in T Narsipur, describing the state government as “anti-Hindu”.
Speaking to media persons in Mysuru on Saturday, Yaduveer alleged that restrictions had been imposed disproportionately on Hindu festivals over the past three years.
“In the past three years, they have been imposing strict restrictions only on Hindu festivals. What can we expect from such a government?” he said.
Yaduveer questions restrictions on Ganesha procession
The MP’s remarks came in response to reports that T Narsipur police had allegedly not permitted a Ganesha Chaturthi procession to pass through Mosque Road.
Yaduveer criticised what he described as restrictions on Hindu religious celebrations and questioned the approach of the state government towards such festivals.
His comments come amid heightened attention to the conduct of Ganesha Chaturthi processions and other public religious events, where police authorities typically regulate routes and timings citing law-and-order and traffic considerations.
Opposes Kambala during Mysuru Dasara
Yaduveer also spoke about the proposal to host a Kambala event in Mysuru during the Dasara festivities.
Clarifying that he was not opposed to Kambala as a cultural event, the MP said he did not want it to be held in Mysuru during Dasara.
“We are not against Kambala, but we do not want it to be held during Dasara in Mysuru. Kambala is a part of coastal culture. We respect it,” he said.
He alleged that organising Kambala during Dasara could create differences between Mysuru and coastal Karnataka.
“They are trying to create difference of opinions between Mysuru and the coastal regions by hosting it here,” he said.
Kambala, a traditional buffalo race associated with coastal Karnataka, has gained wider recognition beyond the coastal districts in recent years. Yaduveer, however, maintained that the event should remain distinct from the traditional Dasara celebrations in Mysuru.
Criticises cancellation of Dasara Film Festival
The Mysore-Kodagu MP also criticised the state government’s decision to cancel the Dasara Film Festival.
He said the festival provided an important platform for emerging filmmakers and gave audiences an opportunity to watch films on the big screen.
“The fest would have given an opportunity for the new directors and people to watch movies on the big screen,” he said.
Yaduveer’s comments highlight concerns over the impact of the cancellation on aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts who had looked forward to the festival as part of the annual Dasara celebrations.
Calls for consultation on Kasturirangan report
Yaduveer also responded to opposition from sections of Kodagu to the implementation of the draft notification related to the Kasturirangan report.
He said the government should consult local communities before proceeding with measures that could affect people living in the region.
“It is the seventh notification. We are with the people. The state government should consult people via gram panchayats and collect their opinion regarding this. It is not about for or against the report. There should be a solution to it,” he said.
The MP stressed the need for a consultative approach involving gram panchayats and local residents. Rather than viewing the Kasturirangan recommendations simply as an issue of supporting or opposing the report, he called for a practical solution that takes the concerns of people in Kodagu into account.
Yaduveer’s remarks covered several issues connected with Mysuru’s cultural calendar, religious processions, coastal traditions and environmental concerns in Kodagu. His criticism of the state government comes as preparations for Dasara and other major cultural events continue across the region.