Mysuru: MLA alleges protocol violations during Vijayadashami procession

T.S. Srivatsa, Krishnaraja MLA, has alleged protocol violations during the Vijayadashami procession in Mysuru on Wednesday (October 21).

Mr. Srivatsa, who also alleged breach of privilege after an IPS officer prevented him from entering the enclosure during the Nandidhwaja pooja, claimed that protocols were violated during the showering of flower petals on the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, placed in the golden howdah atop the caparisoned elephant, on the Mysuru palace premises.

Displaying a copy of the Government Order on protocol issued on September 28, 2026 — which listed the dignitaries authorised to climb the specially erected platform to shower flower petals on the idol — Mr. Srivatsa questioned the presence of Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh on the platform, pointing out that her name did not figure in the list.

He also questioned the presence of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s wife Usha, and the Chief Ministers of neighbouring Keralam and Telangana, on the platform.

“Did the Chief Secretary, who is expected to enforce protocol, herself violate it?” he asked.

Mr. Srivatsa questioned the apparent inconsistency in the application of protocol, pointing out that while Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, who ranks above the Mysuru Deputy Commissioner, was allowed on the platform, Director General of Police M.A. Saleem, who ranks above City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, was not.

Conventionally, neither the Chief Secretary, spouse of the Chief Minister nor women members of the erstwhile royal family have climbed the platform to offer floral tributes to the idol of Chamundeshwari.

He said he would write to Governor Sudha Yadav and Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, besides the Assembly Speaker, over the alleged protocol violations.

On the alleged insult meted out to him during the Nandidhwaja pooja, Mr. Srivatsa displayed the official invitation card, which identified him as the presiding dignitary in his capacity as the MLA representing the constituency.

“How can you print my name on the invitation card as the person presiding over the event and then prevent me from entering the enclosure?” he asked. 

Mr. Srivatsa said he would write to Legislative Assembly Speaker G.S. Patil.