Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah praised the successful Mysuru Dussehra celebrations on Thursday, thanking Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq for kicking off the festival. He also gave a shoutout to ministers and officials who pulled off the historic event without a hitch.
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah called Dussehra a true people’s festival. “It shines brightest when crowds flock in huge numbers,” he said. “I’m thrilled that Booker awardee Banu Mushtaq inaugurated this year’s festivities. We’ve celebrated smoothly, and I thank the ministers, lawmakers, and officials for their hard work.”
This year’s Dussehra in Mysuru stretched over 11 days, drawing massive participation. The chief minister shared his joy at joining the events as Karnataka’s leader. “I’ve taken part in all the Dussehra festivities during my two terms as CM,” he added. “With the people’s support, I’ve done this eight times—it’s been a real highlight for me.”
Shifting to agriculture challenges, Siddaramaiah noted that heavy rains have filled reservoirs across Karnataka and boosted crop growth overall. But in parts of North Karnataka, floods and nonstop downpours damaged crops on nearly 10 lakh hectares. During a recent trip to Kalaburagi, he promised relief for affected farmers after surveys wrap up.
Compensation rates include Rs 17,000 per hectare for dry land, Rs 17,500 for irrigated areas, and Rs 31,000 for multi-crop fields, backed by state funds and the National Disaster Relief Fund. “Rain has delayed the joint crop-loss surveys,” he explained. “But once they’re done, we’ll provide aid for all 10 lakh hectares of damage.”
On Vijayadashami, the festival’s grand finale, Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar paid floral respects to Goddess Chamundeshwari inside Mysuru Palace. The deity rode in a golden howdah carried by Abhimanyu. Joining them were Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, Ministers H.C. Mahadevappa and Shivaraj Tangadagi, MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Deputy Commissioner Laxmikant Reddy, and Police Commissioner Seema Latkar.
Earlier that day, Shivakumar visited Chamundi Hill in Mysuru to pray at the Chamundeshwari temple. He took part in the traditional coconut-breaking ritual, adding to the vibrant Vijayadashami celebrations in the city known for its royal Dussehra heritage.
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