Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 31: It may be recalled that the election commission had kept close vigil on Yakshagana performances last year when assembly election was held. Wth Lok Sabha election fast approaching, the election commision is closely watching Yakshagana performances again.

In the guise of violation of election code of conduct, use of microphones has been banned in Udupi district after 10 pm. In Dakshina Kannada district too, the district electoral officer has asked the concerned to bring down noises during late night performances. Similar rules have already been enforced in respect of plays. The commission has asked all the Yakshagana Melas in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts to furnish list of performances being held during the period code of conduct is in force. Yakshagana organizers, managers and artistes of Melas etc however are resisting this move.

The commission also has turned its attention to political satire that has become part and parcel of Yakshagana performances. In the past, some political leaders had complained against artistes for indirectly mocking at them. The Yakshagana Melas have been asked to desist from such things, which the artistes feel restrict their freedom.

Manager of one of the Melas, Palli Kishen Hege, said that Yakshagana performances are facing problems because of conditions like non-use of microphones, political satire etc. He said however that the concerned have been suitably instructed to fall in line with code of conduct.

In the recent past, there have been certain instances of complaints about mockery of political leaders. The artistes and people feel that like in the past the leaders should learn to take such things in their stride as these are just part of entertainment. In one case, complaint was handed over at Udupi against an artiste of Bappanadu Mela for mimicking chief minister, Kumaraswamy's announcement, 'Nikhil, Yelliddeeyappa Neenu' at a dais in Mandya, paving way for his son's dramatic entry into the stage. This complaint however was withdrawn. In another case, Bantwal police had got affidavit executed by an artiste of Dentadka Yakshagana troupe for supporting BJP's policies when acting out the role of Shivaji's Guru and guide, Samartha Ramadas.