How can Mysuru hold 25 lakh Kambala fans?

Mysuru: A coalition of organisations, including the Raitha Sangha, Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, Parisarakkaagi Naavu, Bhoomithayi Horata Samiti, progressive groups and Kannada-based associations, has strongly opposed the State Government’s insistence on organising Dasara Kambala in Mysuru despite opposition from experts, writers and citizens.

Addressing a press conference at the Pathrakarthara Bhavan this morning, Parashuramegowda of ‘Parisarakkaagi Naavu’ raised concerns over civic infrastructure, law and order and the feasibility of hosting the event in Mysuru.

“Despite submitting memoranda to various authorities, no official action has been taken. Kambala organisers are vastly overstating the attendance capacity, projecting between 20 lakh and 25 lakh Kambala visitors,” he said.

He argued that Mysuru’s existing infrastructure would not be able to handle such a large gathering without severe traffic congestion and management problems.

“Repeated appeals have been made to the Deputy Commissioner, the District Minister, the Chief Minister, former CM Siddaramaiah, Mysuru-Kodagu MP, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Yet, the Government has remained insensitive and unresponsive, he said”

Parashuramegowda also referred to statements from the State Kambala Committee that no official invitation or clearance had been finalised yet. He alleged that individual event promoters, including Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, were spreading misleading information even as groundwork for the event was progressing without proper approval.

“We will collect signatures from prominent writers, intellectuals and experts opposed to Kambala. We will also stage a protest in front of Mysuru District Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s office, followed by an indefinite protest at Sathagalli, the Kambala venue,” Parashuramegowda said.

Farmers’ leader Badagalapura Nagendra, environmental activist Bhanu Mohan, M.G. Sadanandaiah and Kannada activist D.P.K. Paramesh were present at the press conference.