The Mysuru Dasara Jamboo Savari witnessed serious entry problems on Thursday after visitors holding paid Gold Cards and authorised passes were reportedly denied access or delayed at entrances around the Amba Vilas Palace. Journalists covering the procession also faced restrictions, arguments and alleged physical obstruction by police personnel, according to a report by Prajavani – Mysuru.
People began gathering around the palace by 9am, while entry for those carrying passes started at about 9.30am. The situation was reportedly smooth for a short period before police personnel began restricting movement and stopping several pass holders from entering. Visitors said they faced shouting and pushing near the entry points.
Several tourists had reportedly purchased Gold Cards priced at ₹6,500 per ticket. The visitors included people from other districts and states who had bought the cards in advance. Some said they arrived late after dealing with one-way traffic and a lack of parking, but were still denied entry despite holding tickets.
People carrying regular passes also reportedly faced difficulties. Visitors protested near the Varaha Gate and Jayamarthanda Gate, questioning why entry was being denied when the authorities had announced seating for 48,000 people inside the palace premises. They also questioned the treatment of visitors who had paid for Gold Cards.
More than 100 journalists covering the Jamboo Savari were reportedly stopped at the entry point. The journalists had arrived at the Brahmapuri Gate in two buses arranged by the Information Department. Their passes stated that they were valid for media entry and had been issued by the district administration with the signature of the police commissioner. However, police personnel reportedly questioned the validity of the passes and initially refused entry.
According to the report, journalists had to argue at two or three locations for several minutes before being allowed inside. A police staff member allegedly grabbed one journalist by the collar and pulled him. Journalists subsequently held a protest over the incident. Director General and Inspector General of Police M.A. Saleem visited the site, sought information and assured them that action would be taken, after which they proceeded to cover the procession.
Legislative Council member K. Shivakumar wrote to the state chief secretary and the Director General and Inspector General of Police, condemning the obstruction. He said journalists played an important role in taking Dasara events and the Jamboo Savari to people across the state and demanded action against those responsible. The Mysuru District Journalists’ Association also condemned the incident.
The report further said police personnel stopped ministers accompanying Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar during the Nandidhwaja puja. Ministers Shivaraj Thangadagi, K.S. Basavanthappa and P.M. Narendraswamy were reportedly prevented from moving forward before the chief minister signalled for them to proceed. The police response and any formal action following the complaints were not detailed in the report.
