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

Bengaluru, Oct 22 : 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) (JD(S)) accusing the Congress government of hypocrisy on social justice and demanding that the ministers defend their self-respect or resign.

The controversy intensified on Thursday after police personnel allegedly prevented ministers Shivaraj Tangadgi, PM Narendra Swamy and KS Basavanthappa from entering the venue on 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. The party accused the Congress 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, challenging the government's claims of social justice and commitment to the Constitution.

The JD(S) 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 sought an explanation from State Home Minister Priyank Kharge over the conduct of police personnel deployed for security at the high-profile cultural event.

Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday directed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to investigate the incident and submit a report identifying those responsible. Shivakumar said he had personally intervened to facilitate the ministers' entry after police officers allegedly stopped them from reaching the venue.

Describing the officers' conduct as arrogant and high-handed, Shivakumar 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, accusing the Congress of continuing a pattern of disrespect towards Dalit leaders and invoking Ambedkar's historical differences with the party. It alleged that the episode exposed a gap between the Congress's public commitment to social justice and its conduct in government.

The party also challenged Priyank Kharge to respond to the allegations, arguing that the government could not speak out on selected issues while avoiding questions over the treatment of Dalit ministers.

The incident has provided the Opposition an opportunity to question the Congress government on a politically sensitive issue, even as an official inquiry is underway.

The findings are expected to clarify whether the incident resulted from a security or protocol lapse and establish accountability for the alleged denial of access to 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 confrontation in Karnataka.