Mysuru: Expressing concern that Yuva Dasara programmes are becoming more filmy and a reality show in nature with each passing year, former MLC A.H. Vishwanath has appealed the authorities to give a new form and purpose to the most sought-after event by youths with the inclusion of cultural and folk programmes.

Addressing a press meet at Jaladarshini Guest House yesterday, he argued that the rich cultural and folk traditions should be passed on to next generation.

Commenting on the Backward Classes rally held at Bengaluru on Sunday, he said it is unfortunate that leaders like Satish Jarkiholi and Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa were left out of the event.

Maintaining that these leaders had extended full co-operation and gave financial support to AHINDA outfit when former CM Siddaramaiah formed it two decades ago, the former MLC said that it is nothing but a conspiracy on the part of Siddaramaiah to promote his son Dr. Yathindra among the masses.

Reiterating that Siddaramaiah was giving all sorts of trouble to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in running the Government, he accused the former CM of projecting his son as the only AHINDA leader in Mysuru region, adding that Dr. Yathindra is behaving like a monarch.

Asking Shivakumar to make Mysuru Dasara as ‘People’s Dasara’, Vishwanath underlined the role of the public in making Dasara regain its past glory, when the Nada Habba was held in great fervour with the involvement of masses.