Will political uncertainty leave Dasara festival organisers scrambling for clarity?

Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has navigated through numerous allegations of scandals during his four-decade-long political career, now faces mounting trouble from his home district of Mysuru.

The Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment scam, a case originating in the very region that catapulted him to political prominence, has become a significant thorn in his side.

Siddaramaiah, who successfully deflected previous allegations such as the Arkavathi Layout scam, the Hublot Watch controversy, and the Valmiki Corporation scandal, now finds himself cornered by accusations tied to Mysuru. Unlike the previous charges, none of which involved his home district, the MUDA scandal is proving to be far more damaging.

Earlier, Siddaramaiah had announced that he would not contest the next Assembly elections, signalling his retirement from electoral politics. However, this new scandal has cast a shadow over his tenure as Chief Minister, creating an uncomfortable political dilemma.

Close associates reveal that Siddaramaiah is internally pained by this development in the twilight of his career but is masking his emotions in public. Should this case lead to his resignation, it would mark a bitter irony — the very district that gave birth to his political journey could now stain it with scandal.

Will it cast dark clouds over Dasara?

As the Mysuru Dasara festival approaches, political instability has threatened to cast a shadow over the grand celebrations.

With just days left for the festival’s inauguration, there are concerns that the filing of an FIR against the CM could create a significant political upheaval, potentially impacting the festive spirit of the State’s most celebrated event.

The gravity of the allegations and the looming FIR have sparked speculation about whether Siddaramaiah will be forced to resign. Opposition parties are likely to exert considerable pressure at both the State and national levels, calling for his resignation, which could lead to political unrest.

If Siddaramaiah steps down amidst this crisis, it raises several questions about how the Dasara celebrations will proceed. From adjustments in ceremonial protocols to the selection of dignitaries for key events, the uncertainty is expected to leave festival organisers scrambling for clarity.

This has led to fears that the shadow of these political developments could dim the grandeur of the festival. The coming days will reveal whether the festivities will go on as planned or if they will be clouded by the political turmoil surrounding the Chief Minister.