Political turmoil affects janotsava

Drastic cut in number of visitors

 However, the political turmoil of the State has affected this historic janotsava.
Apart from world famous Mysore Dasara, Madikeri Dasara is celebrated grandeously in the State. However, the threat to the State government’s existence, has affected the Dasara celebration as well. Instead of taking part in Dasara programmes, people are enthusiastically sitting in front of the television to get updated on the political developments.

After BJP government came to power in the State, Madikeri Dasara received more support and encouragement. When the previous governments were spending Rs 5 lakh to the Janotsava, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had announced Rs 40 lakh for the celebrations. Along with Madikeri, the government had also agreed to support Gonikoppa Dasara by sanctioning Rs 15 lakh.

Even this year, the Chief Minister had agreed to release funds for the Madikeri and Gonikoppa Dasara. However, even before the release of the funds, the political developments in the State have put water on the celebration. In fact, Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah and MLA M P Appachu Ranjan were supposed to take part in the inauguration of Janotsava. However, the political developments in the state has forced them to remain in Bangalore. Even MLC M C Nanaiah is also ‘busy’ in politics.
The BJP has won both the constituencies in the last two Assembly elections. Even when Kodagu was denied of ministerial berth, K G Bopaiah who was elected from Virajpet constituency is adorning the seat of Speaker.

In case, if JD(S)-Congress coalition forms government in the State, then JD(S) leader M C Nanaiah is likely to get the ministerial berth.

In the backdrop of political drama in the State, the number of political party workers visiting janotsava has declined. Normally Cauvery Kalakshethra will be jam packed for the Dasara cultural programmes. However, this year oraganisers, and handful of audience are seen in Cauvery Kalakshethra.

At least from now onwards, the Dasara committee should drop the idea of taking help from the State government to conduct Dasara in the last minute. Dasara Committee office-bearer M B Devaiah said “instead of taking a delegation to the government, the elected representatives should exert pressure on the government to earmark funds for Madikeri Dasara in the budget itself.”