The Chief minister, J Jayalalithaa is likely to inaugurate the 116th Annual Flower Carnival at the Government Botanical Garden in Ooty. However, the summer festival committee comprising the horticulture department officials and the district administration has not mentioned about her arrival. Also, the committee is yet to confirm the dates for the flower show.

Earlier the flower show at the Government Botanical Garden in Ooty used to be the curtain raiser for the Summer Festival; however, this year the festival was inaugurated with the Vegetable Show at the Nehru Park in Kotagiri on May 5, followed by Spice Show in Gudalur on May 6..
Sources said the CM's programme to visit the Nilgiris has upset the dates of the shows and the officials are in dark about the remaining dates of the show.

A press-release by the Nilgiris district administration, a few days ago, said that the Summer Festival starting from May 5 would last till May 31. The press-release also said the Rose Show will be inaugurated on May 12 and will be held for two days. A photo exhibition, as part of the festival, will also be conducted in Ooty from May 21 till end of the month. Further, a boat race will be conducted on May 24 at the Ooty Lake and a boat peasant will be held on May 25. The press-release did not mention about the dates for the Flower Show to be held in Ooty and Fruit Show to be held in Sim's Park Coonoor.

K Mohan, joint director of Horticulture told TOI, "As of now even the dates for the Rose Show is not yet confirmed. Only by Wednesday, we will come to know about the dates for the Rose Show." Meanwhile sources in Chennai said the CM is expected to visit the Nilgiris this month however the dates are yet to be finalised.