Mysuru and Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar on Wednesday backed Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s statement that Mysuru Dasara would not be scaled down in the wake of the drought, saying the annual festival was crucial to the city’s tourism-driven economy and livelihoods.

“The city’s economy largely hinges on Dasara festivities. People have made investments in Mysuru keeping its tourism potential in mind. These investments have created jobs for local people. Hotels, travel operators, traders and others await Dasara for business,” he told reporters here.

Speaking at a meet-the-press programme organised by the Mysuru District Journalists’ Association, Mr. Wadiyar said Dasara supported the tourism economy and generated employment. “Businesses thrive when tourists come, and they in turn support local trade,” he said.

He noted that the government was also spending on attractions such as illumination. “In such a situation, we cannot scale down Dasara citing drought. Therefore, Dasara should not be a simple affair,” the MP said.

Passes for Jamboo Savari

On the issue of overcrowding inside the Mysuru Palace on the day of the Jamboo Savari, Mr. Wadiyar said he had attended a meeting convened by the Chief Minister in Bengaluru sometime ago to suggest that the practice of issuing passes should be made transparent to address the issue. “I am flooded with requests for passes. Leave aside my supporters and party workers, I get requests even from Congress MPs for passes,” he said.

Mr. Wadiyar said new technologies could be used to regulate the crowd inside the Palace. He welcomed the decision to number seats inside the Palace to prevent overcrowding.

The MP also welcomed the move to invite the Chief Ministers of neighbouring States to Dasara, saying it would help promote the festival. “Any number of tableaux could be included in the Dasara procession, provided they were planned properly,” he replied.

Dasara authority

Mr. Wadiyar said he was not in favour of creating a separate Dasara authority, arguing that it would only result in another body with additional nominations. “Instead, the government can do better under the existing system and framework,” he opined.

Mysuru as convention city

Mr. Wadiyar said he had proposed developing Mysuru as a convention city, considering its tourism potential and floating population. “The city is well suited for such an arrangement. The existing infrastructure can be put to better use,” he said.

Mahisha Dasara

On the Mahisha Dasara controversy, Mr. Wadiyar said he had no objection if the objective was to worship Mahishasura without hurting the sentiments of others. “If the aim of organising Mahisha Dasara is different, then it is questionable,” he said.