Mysuru: Urban Development and Mysuru District In-charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah and MLA H C Mahadevappa met in Mysuru on Sunday afternoon, triggering interest amid the political friction within the Congress over the organisation of Constitution Day celebrations in the city on November 26.
Former MLC Venugopal was also present during the meeting. Although the details of their discussion have not been disclosed, the timing of the interaction has attracted attention as differences between the two Congress leaders over the proposed Constitution Day programmes have recently come into focus.
Parallel Constitution Day programmes spark controversy
The political differences reportedly emerged over plans to organise Constitution Day celebrations on November 26 at Maharaja’s Grounds in Mysuru.
Mahadevappa, along with several Dalit organisations, has been preparing to organise a Constitution Day programme at the venue. The proposed event is expected to bring together representatives of Dalit organisations and others to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution.
However, a meeting held recently in Bengaluru, attended by former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Yathindra Siddaramaiah and several Congress legislators, decided to organise an official government programme to mark Constitution Day.
The proposed government event is also scheduled for November 26 at Maharaja’s Grounds, the same venue selected for the programme being organised by Mahadevappa and Dalit organisations.
The emergence of two separate programmes on the same date and at the same location has raised questions about coordination within the ruling Congress and the relationship between its leaders.
Leaders’ meeting draws political attention
Against this backdrop, Sunday’s meeting between Yathindra Siddaramaiah and Mahadevappa has assumed significance.
The interaction has generated curiosity over whether the leaders discussed the competing arrangements and the possibility of coordinating the Constitution Day celebrations.
The presence of former MLC Venugopal has also added interest to the meeting. However, no specific details about the discussions or any decisions taken have been made public.
The Constitution Day controversy has brought attention to the coordination required between government programmes and events organised by social and community organisations.
Constitution Day celebrations on November 26
Constitution Day, observed annually on November 26, commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India by the Constituent Assembly in 1949. The Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950.
The proposed celebrations in Mysuru have acquired political significance because of the involvement of senior Congress leaders, elected representatives and Dalit organisations.
With both programmes planned at Maharaja’s Grounds on the same day, the meeting between Yathindra Siddaramaiah and Mahadevappa has raised expectations of further discussions on the issue.
Whether the interaction will lead to a common programme or a resolution of the differences remains to be seen.