Mysuru: MLA alleges violation of protocol during Vijayadashami procession

TS Srivatsa, Krishnaraja MLA. | Photo credit: MA Sriram

TS Srivatsa, Krishnaraja MLA, allegedly broke protocol during the Vijayadashami procession in Mysuru on Wednesday (October 21).

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

Showing a copy of the government’s protocol order issued on September 28, 2026 – which listed dignitaries authorized to climb a specially constructed platform and shower flower petals on the idol – Mr Srivatsa questioned Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh’s presence on the platform, pointing out that her name was not on the list.

He also questioned the presence of Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s wife Usha and the Chief Ministers of neighboring Kerala and Telangana on the platform.

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

Questioning the apparent inconsistency in the application of protocol, Mr. Srivatsa pointed out that while Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, who is senior to Mysuru Deputy Commissioner, was allowed to enter the platform, Director General of Police MA Saleem, who is senior to City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, was not.

Usually, neither the Chief Secretary, the Chief Minister’s wife nor the women of the former royal family stepped on the platform to pay floral tributes to the Chamundeshwari idol.

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

On the alleged insult received during the Nandidhwaja pooja, Mr. Srivatsa showed an official invitation identifying him as the presiding dignitary in his capacity as MLA representing the constituency.

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

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

Published – 22 Oct 2026 20:08 IST