District Minister bypassed?

Mysuru: Every year, during Dasara, decisions and programmes were traditionally carried out under the directions of the District in-Charge Minister. From releasing a poster to deciding the guests for various events, the Minister would have the final say.

This year, however, responsibilities for Dasara programmes have been distributed among Ministers, with each Minister reviewing the arrangements and taking decisions. Yesterday, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Energy Minister K.J. George held separate meetings with officials of their Departments to review Dasara preparations, including works completed, those pending & those requiring immediate attention.

Notably, District Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah was not invited to either meeting.

The development has raised questions in political circles over the role Dr. Yathindra will play this Dasara, with speculation that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar (DKS) is gradually taking a greater role in the festival arrangements.

Going forward, Ministers heading Departments such as Home, Energy, Tourism, Forest, Public Works, Kannada & Culture and Horticulture are expected to review the progress of preparations and ensure that their respective responsibilities for the festival are completed on time.