For the first time, 22 Ministers roped in to oversee events

by · Star of Mysore

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s grandiose Dasara-2026

District Minister to retain overall supervision

Mysuru: For the grand Dasara celebrations this year, CM D.K. Shivakumar has decided to assign responsibilities for managing various segments & daily events of the festival to 22 Ministers.

Unlike previous years, when the responsibility was largely handled by the Mysuru District Minister, Government plans to involve 22 Ministers in overseeing different administrative and event-related activities, considering the expanded scale of the festival, cultural programmes and other arrangements.

This year, Karnataka is also extending invitations to CMs of other South Indian States to participate in Dasara, with the aim of projecting ‘South unity’ & boosting regional participation.

Usually, the Mysuru District Minister oversees the festival, while the Dasara Executive Committee, headed by the Dasara Special Officer (DC), handles ground-level responsibilities, along with 18 Sub-Committees.

The Sub-Committees coordinate with various departments and ensure the smooth conduct of events. They are also responsible for protocol and arrangements for VIPs and dignitaries and are accountable for the festival’s overall conduct. Committees oversee various events, including cultural events, religious ceremonies, exhibitions, sports events and folk performances.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, DC and Dasara Special Officer G. Lakshmikanth Reddy said preparations for Dasara Nada Habba were progressing rapidly, with the Committee structure, event schedules and Ministerial responsibilities being finalised.

“Official website for festivities has already been updated with the schedule. It outlines the daily itineraries, inauguration timings and designated VIPs and attendees. To streamline operations, administrative responsibilities have been divided among 18 Sub-Committees, each headed by designated heads & Working Presidents,” he said.

Overall supervision of District Minister

Sources said that while a roster involving 22 Ministers, with two Ministers assigned for each day, has been proposed, a more practical arrangement is likely  to be finalised soon.

Under the proposed arrangement, Mysuru District in-Charge Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah will have overall supervision, while one or two Ministers will be assigned each day on a rotational basis to ensure smooth coordination on the ground without disrupting their responsibilities in their respective Constituencies.

Thus, during the 11-day Dasara, one or two additional Ministers are likely to be assigned each day, besides the District Minister who will remain in charge overall.

We have not received any official confirmation regarding the Chief Minister’s statement about involving 22 Ministers in Dasara. The five Ministers currently listed on the Dasara website are the respective Department Ministers who are involved in the inaugurations. Having a different Minister in charge each day will be helpful, as the administration can receive their guidance on how to proceed.

—G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Deputy Commissioner

Ministers Listed On Dasara Website mysoredasara.gov.in

  • Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah: Mysuru District Minister and overall Dasara in-charge; also in charge of Raitha Dasara stage programme; Inaugurator and in charge of Mahila Dasara (Oct. 13) and Drone Show (Oct. 17), along with CESC Chairman Ramesh Babu Bandisiddegowda.
  • P.M. Narendra Swamy: Agriculture Minister — Inaugurator and in charge of Raitha Dasara (Oct. 16).
  • C. Puttarangashetty: Animal Husbandry & Sericulture Minister — Inaugurator & in charge of Agricultural Expo (Oct. 16).
  • K.J. George: Energy & Tourism Minister — Inaugurator & in charge of Illumination (Oct. 11), Heritage Walk (Oct. 15) and Heritage Cycle Ride (Oct. 16), along with                                                                                    Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah.
  • S.S. Mallikarjun: Mines & Geology and Horticulture Minister — Inaugurator & in charge of Flower Show (Oct. 11) and Horticultural Gardens visit, along with Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah.
  • Madhu Bangarappa: School Education and Literacy Minister — Inaugurator and in charge of Makkala Dasara (Oct. 14).
  • U.T. Khader: Health and Family Welfare Minister — Inaugurator and in charge of Yoga Dasara (Oct. 14).
  • Other Ministers: Will support the Dasara celebrations on a daily basis. Names not updated yet.