BJP Legislator Alleges Protocol Breaches at Mysuru Vijayadashami Event

Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa has accused authorities of violating official protocols during the Vijayadashami procession in Mysuru on Wednesday, October 21. Mr. Srivatsa pointed to unauthorized presences on the special platform built to shower flower petals on the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari during the event on the Mysuru palace grounds.

Platform Guest List

Displaying a government protocol order issued on September 28, 2026, the legislator questioned the presence of Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh on the platform, noting her name was missing from the approved list. He also questioned why Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's wife Usha and the Chief Ministers of neighbouring Keralam and Telangana were on the stage. He asked if the Chief Secretary herself broke the rules she is supposed to enforce. He added that while Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh was allowed on the platform, Director General of Police M.A. Saleem was kept out, creating an inconsistency since both rank above their local district counterparts.

Entry Restrictions

Mr. Srivatsa also reported a breach of privilege after an IPS officer stopped him from entering the enclosure during the Nandidhwaja pooja. He held up the official invitation card that named him as the presiding dignitary for his constituency. He asked how authorities could print his name as the chair of the event and then block him from entering.

Action Taken

Conventionally, the Chief Secretary, the Chief Minister's spouse, and women members of the erstwhile royal family do not climb the platform to offer floral tributes. Mr. Srivatsa announced he will write to Governor Sudha Yadav, Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, Assembly Speaker G.S. Patil, and other officials regarding the protocol breaches and the incident at the pooja.

Context

Official protocol orders outline exact lists of dignitaries allowed in restricted enclosures during major public and religious events. Elected representatives and senior bureaucrats often follow strict seating and access hierarchies during state-sponsored festivals.