Shivakumar cancels Dasara visits to Mangaluru and Udupi

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has cancelled his planned October 12 visit to Mangaluru and Udupi district. He had been scheduled to inaugurate Dasara celebrations there.

The change is linked to his trip to Delhi, The Hindu reported on October 11. On Monday, Shivakumar plans to join an Indian National Congress protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Demonstrators are protesting alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls. Those allegations represent the protesters' position rather than an established finding of wrongdoing.

On the coast, Shivakumar had been expected at the Mahalakshmi Temple in Uchchila and Gokarnanatha Temple in Kudroli, Mangaluru. News Karnataka also reported the cancellation of the October 12 visit.

Navaratri celebrations themselves began in the coastal districts on Sunday, October 11. Thousands of devotees visited temples, including shrines in Kateel and Kolluru. Temples and approach roads were illuminated, and many locations are serving food to visitors. Traditional festivities include the tiger dance, or huli vesha.