Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah shared his strong belief on Wednesday that he’ll keep honoring goddess Chamundaeshwari with floral tributes at Mysuru’s Dussehra celebrations for years to come. He made the comments amid rumors from some Congress leaders and the BJP suggesting that Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress chief D.K. Shivakumar could take over as CM in November.
Speaking to reporters at Mysuru Airport, Siddaramaiah dismissed opposition predictions that he won’t participate in the ritual this year. “Opposition parties aren’t fortune-tellers—their guesses aren’t grounded in reality and won’t happen,” he said with a laugh. “I’ll always follow the party high command’s lead, but I’m sure I’ll be there offering tributes at future Dussehra events too.”
He pointed out how past doubts about him proved wrong. “They claimed I wouldn’t become chief minister a second time or present another budget, but I did both,” Siddaramaiah noted.
The chief minister also touched on the recent controversy over this year’s Dussehra inauguration by Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq. He highlighted how the Supreme Court slammed critics who opposed her selection, calling out those who don’t understand India’s Constitution. With the BJP raising objections to the choice, Siddaramaiah stressed that Karnataka remains a secular state. “People ignorant of the Constitution make these complaints—that’s why the Supreme Court criticized them,” he said. He urged everyone to avoid politicizing the Dussehra festival.
Looking ahead, Siddaramaiah expects huge crowds at the 2023 Mysuru Dussehra. Popular attractions like the air show, colorful illuminations, and drone displays are drawing excitement. “Dussehra brings joy to everyone who joins in,” he added. On the question of creating a new Dussehra Authority, he said existing bodies like the Chamundeshwari Development Authority and the Exhibition Authority already handle things well—no extra setup needed.
When asked about delayed dearness allowance payments for government employees, the chief minister explained that the state will release the funds right after the central government does.
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