Chamundi Hills, 3 July

Devotees visiting temples must wear decent attire to maintain religious and cultural sanctity, said Krishnadutta Chamaraja Wadiyar, as he batted for a dress code for the Sur Kshetra Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills in Mysuru.

Speaking after reviewing Ashada Friday arrangements, the MP said devotees had raised concerns about inappropriate clothing worn by some visitors. He noted that temples in Kerala and Tirupati already enforce dress codes, explicitly barring western attire such as shorts, Bermuda shorts, miniskirts, night suits, torn jeans, and frocks. “As people follow dress codes in offices and courts, similar respect should be shown at religious places,” he said.

Yaduveer also urged the Srikshetra Chamundeshwari Development Authority to enforce a ban on mobile phones and photography inside the temple, similar to the practices in Tirupati.

On recent wildlife poisoning cases involving tigers and monkeys, the MP demanded strong action from forest officials and called on elected representatives to raise their voices. He also supported the existing night traffic ban through the Bandipur forest to safeguard wildlife.

Commenting on the resignation of Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) NV Baramani, who cited public humiliation by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Yaduveer supported the officer. “If officials err, legal frameworks exist. Public humiliation is unacceptable,” he said.

He declined to comment on any potential changes in BJP state leadership or the chief ministership, saying such decisions rest with the party High Command.