Mysuru: The SC verdict is likely to dampen the spirits of the events planned during this year’s celebration in Mysuru.

The countdown has begun with the inauguration scheduled at 11.40 AM on the forenoon of October 1. Noted Kannada litterateur and Nadoja award winner Chennaveera Kanavi is scheduled to make the inauguration where the state Chief minister will also be present.

Soon after the inauguration, 20 programs are scheduled where 12 different state ministers are supposed to take part at different venues. It is now learnt that the CM again has called an all-party meeting on October 1 at 6:00 PM to decide the future course of action in the aftermath of the SC verdict. In such a situation, all ministers and MLAs would have to rush back to Bengaluru and that would be a serious dismay for the day’s agenda.

After the recent protest over Cauvery issue, the inflow of tourists from neighbouring states, Kerala and Tamilnadu has considerably reduced. With the Supreme Court asking Karnataka to release 6000 cusecs of water till October 6 and the subsequent decision on Cauvery water management board where the state loses total control over its dams will have an adverse effect on this year’s Dasara according to tourism officials.

Will Mysuru Dasara 2016 turn out to be nothing more than a damp squib?