Mahisha Dasara: Protest against Pratap Simha in Mysuru

Several people gathered at Ashoka Circle, earlier known as Ballal circle, in Krishnamurthy Puram here on Wednesday and protested against Mysuru MP Pratap Simha for opposing the celebration of Mahisha Dasara.

The protesters, who formed a human chain at the circle, also erected a huge portrait of Mahishasura in the circle and demanded permission for celebration of Mahisha Dasara.

The protestors representing various Dalit organisations showered flower petals on the portrait of Mahishasura before shouting slogans against Mr. Simha.

The demonstration on Wednesday evening comes a day after the City police denied permission for Mahisha Dasara as well as Chamundi Chalo march called by Mr. Simha to counter the Mahisha Dasara celebrations.

Mysuru city police Commissioner Ramesh B., in a statement, had cited threat to peace and law and order situation in the City before denying permission for both events.

Meanwhile, a BJP leader Giridhar has decried Mr. Simha’s opposition to Mahisha Dasara.

Claiming to be associated with BJP for more than three decades, Mr. Giridhar described the opposition to Mahisha Dasara as Mr. Simha’s “one-man show”. He said he does not support Mr. Simha’s “personal agenda” to oppose Mahisha Dasara.

The BJP MP’s “unilateral” decision to oppose Mahisha Dasara threatens to disrupt peace in Mysuru, he said.