‘Two Ministers a day will not dilute District Minister’s role; not a setback’

Mysuru: Urban Development and Mysuru District Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah has clarified that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s decision to assign responsibilities to 22 Ministers during Dasara is aimed at introducing a new system in the conduct of the festival.

Speaking to reporters at the Mysore Palace premises this morning, Dr. Yathindra said two Ministers would oversee arrangements each day.

“This is the Chief Minister’s concept. The plan is to ensure that Dasara is conducted in a more organised and meticulous manner,” he said. Clarifying his role as District Minister, Dr. Yathindra said there was no question of any Minister being placed above or below another.

“I am the overall in-charge of all the committees. This arrangement is not a setback for me in any way,” he said.

He said Ministers had traditionally participated in key Dasara programmes based on their portfolios, but the new arrangement involved assigning them responsibility for specific venues on a day-to-day basis.

“The idea is to maintain high-quality management at all stages of the festival. It is not intended to reduce the powers of the District Minister or create any hierarchy,” he clarified.

Previous flaws to be rectified

Dr. Yathindra said the administration was reviewing shortcomings from previous editions and taking measures to ensure that Dasara was conducted smoothly.

“We are reviewing every detail from earlier editions to address shortcomings and avoid lapses. The administration is working on a war-footing to ensure the success of the festival,” he said.

MUDA 50:50 site allotments

On the controversy surrounding the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) 50:50 site allotment scheme, Dr. Yathindra said genuine allottees would be protected and action would be taken against illegalities.

He said the beneficiary list had been thoroughly scrutinised to safeguard genuine applicants. “If sites were acquired illegally or unauthorised structures were built, strict action will be taken under the law. The law applies equally to everyone,” he warned.

“The Desai Commission’s report had already cancelled all illegal sites, while excluding those who had obtained sites legally. “The Commission investigated each site and submitted its findings. There is no need to re‑examine the matter. We will release the list of illegal sites identified in the report,” he said.