Mysuru Dasara 2026: MLC B.S. Shivanna Urges CM to Let ‘Cleanliness Warrior’ Inaugurate State Festival

Political Bureau | Bangalore Mail

September 18, 2026

BENGALURU: Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) B.S. Shivanna has submitted a formal representation to the Chief Minister, urging the Karnataka government to break conventional norms and allow a sanitation worker—termed a Swachhata Senani (Cleanliness Warrior)—to inaugurate the iconic Mysuru Dasara festival this year.

In his letter addressed to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the Congress MLC highlighted that dedicating the inauguration of Karnataka’s grandest cultural event to a sanitation worker, whether male or female, would send a transformative message of social equality and dignity of labor across the nation.

“Work is Worship”: Honor for Sanitation Workers

Advocating for the community he has long supported, Shivanna emphasized that civic sanitation workers perform invaluable public service under challenging conditions.

“For decades, I have refrained from using the term ‘Pourakarmikas’ and preferred calling them ‘Swachhata Senanis’ or ‘Paura Senanis’. Those who keep our cities, streets, and public spaces clean possess pure hearts and honest hands. Their work is nothing short of divine service,” Shivanna wrote in his letter.

He expressed confidence that allowing a sanitation worker to light the ceremonial lamp atop Chamundi Hill would carry profound moral weight and earn the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari.

Setting a National Precedent

The MLC noted that selecting a sanitation worker for the high-profile inauguration would establish a inspiring benchmark for cultural festivals across India.

Referencing political precedents of inclusive governance, Shivanna pointed to former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s tenure when the son of a sanitation worker was elected Mayor of Mysuru, riding a horse during the world-famous Jamboo Savari procession to symbolise social justice.

Shivanna also revealed that he had previously petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations to consider an educated child of a sanitation worker for the post of President of India, as well as suggesting a sanitation worker perform the Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya.

A Tradition of Diverse Dignitaries

The inauguration of Mysuru Dasara has historically featured dignitaries from various walks of life, including eminent literary figures, progressive farmers, social activists, and religious scholars. In 2022, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the festivities.

Shivanna argued that including a frontline sanitation worker in this list of revered inaugurators would mark a historic chapter in Karnataka’s socio-cultural legacy, giving long-overdue dignity to grass-root workers who keep the state moving forward.