In an unusual move, Karnataka’s ministers boarded an open top bus and went in a procession to a cabinet meeting, in Mangaluru.
This unique event took place in Mangaluru on September 18. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his colleagues boarded an open top bus, which took them in a procession, to the Cabinet meeting in Praja Soudha at Padil in Mangaluru.
While Cabinet meetings are normally held every Thursday in the State capital Bengaluru, the Chief Minister shifted the venue to Mangaluru on the request of Health Minister U.T. Khader. Mr. Khader had placed a proposal before the Chief Minister to shift the venue to Mangaluru with the aim of highlighting regional issues before the Cabinet.
A colorful procession of artistes showcasing different artforms of coastal Karnataka, arranged as part of road show being held by Chief Minister #DKShivakumar and Cabinet ministers in Mangaluru.📸: @HSManjunath5pic.twitter.com/tQ8fZeYmY8— The Hindu-Bengaluru (@THBengaluru) September 18, 2026
A colorful procession of artistes showcasing different artforms of coastal Karnataka, arranged as part of road show being held by Chief Minister #DKShivakumar and Cabinet ministers in Mangaluru.📸: @HSManjunath5pic.twitter.com/tQ8fZeYmY8
After the Chief Minister accepted the proposal, a date was announced. This triggered preparations in Mangaluru, in Dakshina Kannada district, to host the Cabinet Minister of Karnataka. The idea of taking the ministers in a procession in an open top bus has galvanised the administration.
Earlier this week, the route to the venue — Praja Soudha — was cleaned. The Praja Soudha was spruced up. Traffic restrictions were put in place and motorists were told to avoid roads that were likely to be congested on September 18.
