Overview
- Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar confirmed the state will hold Mysuru Dasara in full grandeur, a decision reported by multiple outlets on Monday that officials say preserves livelihoods tied to the event.
- State authorities said they will coordinate with local police and civic bodies to manage logistics, crowd safety and water use for the festival so essential services and visitors can be handled responsibly.
- Organisers led by Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai plan to begin construction of a 27-acre 'kare' track after July 20 and to run trial buffalo races to familiarise participants and spectators.
- A broad coalition called Parisarakkagi Naavu formally submitted a memorandum asking the chief minister to drop the Kambala proposal, arguing it would dilute Mysuru Dasara's identity, require clearing vegetation and use lakhs of litres of water, and warning of intensified protests if the plan proceeds.
- Supporters say adding Kambala will boost tourism and local incomes while critics say the move raises environmental, cultural and resource risks and could deepen political contestation over who shapes Karnataka's public festivals.