‘No more mundane Dasara, new ideas, more discipline for a bigger, better fest’
Mysuru: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has said, the Government is considering a new framework for the long-pending Greater Mysuru project, while also planning to give the city’s world-famous Dasara festival a fresh look with new ideas, greater discipline and international appeal.
Speaking to the media at Oval Grounds in Mysuru yesterday, Shivakumar, who was in city to inaugurate the 111th Jayanti celebrations of Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Swamiji at Suttur Mutt at the foot of Chamundi Hill, said a separate meeting would soon be convened to discuss the Greater Mysuru plan. “Former CM Siddaramaiah had given valuable ideas, guidance and plans for Mysuru’s development. We will give them a new shape and implement them. Promises made for Mysuru’s growth will be fulfilled,” he assured.
Reducing Bengaluru’s pressure
The CM stressed the need to ease the pressure on Bengaluru by developing other major cities in the State. “We are thinking of comprehensive development of Mysuru, Kalaburagi, Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad and other cities alongside Bengaluru. By strengthening infrastructure in employment, health and education, we must reduce the compulsion for people to migrate to Bengaluru,” he said.
He said, agreements had already been signed to construct ring roads around all major cities and towns to keep outside vehicles from entering city centres and adding to traffic congestion.
“Though travel time between Mysuru and Bengaluru has reduced, entering Mysuru city from Kengeri still consumes considerable time. This issue has been discussed and several Legislators have raised it,” he said.
Dasara to break routine
Shivakumar said, the Dasara celebrations would be revamped with new artistes and concepts instead of repeatedly featuring the same performers.
“We want disciplined teams representing each art form rather than multiple groups of the same genre. The aim is to bring novelty, order and international-level attraction,” he said.
He said, requests had already been made to the Army, Air Force and other Defence Forces to participate in the grand procession, adding discipline and variety to the event.
Police parades and illumination would also be enhanced, with Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) and other related agencies spending more than Rs. 10 crore on electrical upgrades, he said.
Dedicated space for cinema, folk arts
The CM said, Kannada film industry artistes and actors should be part of the Dasara celebrations, considering their large fan following across Karnataka.
“A separate tableau for cinema has been suggested. Folk and cultural art forms from across Karnataka must get proper representation. Instead of repeating multiple groups of the same art, one strong team per genre will be included to bring order,” he said.
He stressed that Dasara should live up to its identity as International Dasara. “It should not remain just a State festival. Tourists from across India and abroad must find new experiences. Tourism, hotels and local businesses benefit immensely, so industries must join hands with the Government,” he said.
Hanur forest encounter
On Hanur forest encounter, the CM said, the report had been received and handed over to the CID for further investigation. On the Nagendra case, he alleged that attempts had been made to make an innocent person a scapegoat. “Nagendra resigned voluntarily for the party. His resignation is being sent to the Governor,” he said.
Responding to Opposition criticism and padyatras, Shivakumar said: “For them, politics is primary. For us, people’s lives, irrigation, drought relief and the State’s welfare are primary.” He said the Govt. was ready to discuss issues such as Cauvery water, drought and Tungabhadra, but alleged that the Opposition showed little interest in them.
Reacting to remarks by former CM H.D. Kumaraswamy and others, Shivakumar said: “Let them say what they want. Criticise as they wish. There is no cure for jealousy. Our work will remain; criticisms will fade.”
This post was published on August 30, 2026 7:30 pm