Peripheral Ring Road, Airport runway expansion, Road Under Bridge near Crawford Hall, KRS Road

Mysore/Mysuru: Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha has criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for repurposing and rebranding several projects initiated by the Central and former Karnataka BJP Government, presenting them as his own in the recent State Budget for 2024-2025.

“Many of the projects announced by Siddaramaiah were originally brought to Mysuru by me (as the MP) with sanctions and funds secured from the Narendra Modi Government at the Centre and Basavaraj Bommai’s BJP Government in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah has essentially copied these projects and reintroduced them as his own in the Budget, thereby deceiving the people of Mysuru,” stated the MP in a press release.

Road Under Bridge

Citing several projects as examples, the MP Pratap Simha pointed out that Siddaramaiah has blatantly copied them to claim credit, even though they were not initiated by him.

“The Centre has already allocated Rs. 42.14 crore for the Road Under Bridge (RUB) project near the Crawford Hall on the Kukkarahalli-Bogadi Road to alleviate traffic congestion. This project was initiated at the Mysuru-Chamarajanagar level crossing 1. However, Siddaramaiah has announced the same project as ‘Road Over Bridge’ (ROB),” Pratap Simha explained.

Similarly, a grant of Rs. 42.88 crore has been approved by the Centre for a Road Under Bridge on KRS Road near Royal Inn Junction, specifically targeting level crossing 5. Yet again, this project has been rebranded as a  Road Under Bridge.

The Basavaraj Bommai Government had allocated Rs. 319.3 crore in the Budget to facilitate the upgrading of the Mysore Airport runway to accommodate larger flights. “This allocation was specifically designated for land acquisition purposes. A total of Rs. 276.13 crore has already been disbursed in four stages, with Rs. 43 crore remaining pending. However, Siddaramaiah has now included and repurposed the same project in his Budget announcement,” Pratap Simha remarked.

Peripheral Ring Road

The Peripheral Ring Road project, envisioned to accommodate Mysuru city’s anticipated growth over the next 50 years, was originally conceptualised by the BJP Government at the Centre, he noted.

“Former Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Chairman H.V. Rajeev, Commissioner G.T. Dinesh Kumar and myself (as the MP) had met Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. Following Gadkari’s suggestion, the Basavaraj Bommai Government allocated Rs. 10 crore to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR). Although the DPR preparation is underway, Siddaramaiah has rebranded the Peripheral Ring Road project as his own and included it in his Budget announcement,” the MP stated.

Filling lakes and ponds

“In 2023, the then BJP Government under CM Basavaraj Bommai allocated Rs. 85 crore for a project ratified by the Cabinet on March 24. This initiative aimed to provide drinking water to 49 lakes and ponds in Hunsur, sourced from the Lakshmanatheertha River at Maradoor village. Tenders for the project have already been initiated. However, amusingly, Siddaramaiah has now relaunched this project in the Budget,” Pratap Simha stated.

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Former Dy.CM Dr. C.N. Ashwathnarayan inaugurates party’s Election Office in Mysuru

Mysore/Mysuru: Now, with BJP party cadres actively publicising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s achievements aligning with ‘Viksit Bharat’ over the last 10 years, the Mysuru-Kodagu unit of the party has sounded the poll bugle with the inauguration of an Election Office at the BJP Headquarters ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in April-May this year.

The office was inaugurated this morning by former Dy.CM Dr. C.N. Ashwathnarayan in the presence of MP Pratap Simha who will be running for a third term, BJP Cluster Convenor and former MLA S.A. Ramdas, former MLA Appachu Ranjan, former Minister C.H. Vijayshankar, BJP State Vice-President M. Rajendra, City President L. Nagendra, District President L.R. Mahadevaswamy and others.

Speaking to the media later, Dr. Ashwathnarayan highlighted the significant improvements witnessed in Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha Constituency over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, drawing parallels to the era of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar.

He emphasised Mysuru’s global recognition and PM Modi’s plans for its further enhancement. Dr. Ashwathnarayan affirmed the party’s commitment to seeking votes based on their achievements over the past decade and proposed development plans for the next five years, aligning with the concept of ‘Viksit Bharat.’

Responding to reports regarding BJP leaders Basavaraj Patil Yatnal and Ramesh Jharkiholi’s criticisms of the party leadership, Dr. Ashwathnarayan expressed confidence in resolving internal differences within the party, noting their shared desire for Narendra Modi’s re-election as the Prime Minister.

Dr. Ashwathnarayan criticised the Congress, alleging misappropriation of taxpayer funds and engaging in appeasement politics, predicting that party’s downfall due to internal discord.

When questioned about fielding Kupendra Reddy as the fifth candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha Polls despite lacking sufficient votes, Ashwathnarayan urged patience until the results were announced.

Regarding Pratap Simha’s candidacy, he praised the MP’s exemplary performance over the past decade and said that the decision on his contest for the third time will be taken by the BJP Parliamentary Board.

BJP Cluster Convenor Ramdas highlighted that the newly inaugurated Election Office serves not only Mysuru and Kodagu but also the Cluster Offices for Chamarajanagar, Mandya and Hassan Lok Sabha Constituencies.

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Road underbridge on KRS Road near Falcon Tyres; another at railway crossing behind Crawford Hall

Mysore/Mysuru: In a significant move to enhance railway traffic efficiency and commuter convenience in Mysuru city, the Central Government has allocated over Rs. 107 crore for the construction of road underbridges in key locations.

The funds will be utilised for building a road underbridge on the KRS Road (near Falcon Tyres) and another at the railway crossing behind Crawford Hall (on the Mysuru-Nanjangud section).

Speaking at a meeting of railway officials at the Jaladarshini Guest House on Hunsur Road this morning, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simmha revealed that the Centre has approved Rs. 62.30 crore for the road underbridge near Falcon Tyres factory on KRS Road (Mysuru-Arsikere section) and

Rs. 45.35 crore for the road underbridge behind Crawford Hall (Junction of Crawford Hall and Kukkarahalli Lake Road) on the Mysuru-Nanjangud section.

Simmha highlighted that both road underbridge projects are awaiting approval from the State Government, following which tenders will be invited for their implementation.

The proposed road underbridge at the Mysuru-Nanjangud railway track level crossing, situated behind Crawford Hall holds significant potential benefits for Mysuru residents. The MP emphasised that if the State Government takes up the project, it could significantly improve the daily commute experience for motorists, addressing delays at level crossings caused by trains between Mysuru, Nanjangud and Chamarajanagar.

Additionally, MP Pratap Simmha mentioned the successful completion of the foot over bridge and five platforms at Ashokapuram Railway Station on the Mysuru-Nanjangud section.

He informed that a tender has been called for the construction of the sixth platform at the Railway Station.

More flights on cards

Addressing the decrease in the number of flights at the Mysore Airport, Simmha attributed it to some aircraft being under repair. He assured that he and airport authorities are in touch with airline operators like Air India, Indigo and Star Air to enhance flight operations.

The MP expressed hope that the number of flights to and from Mysuru will increase in the future, accompanied by improvements in facilities for air travellers.

Booking not yet open for Ayodhya train

Earlier, speaking to the press before the meeting, Pratap Simmha announced that two direct trains from Mysuru to Ayodhya will run on Feb. 4 and 18 to facilitate devotees in the Mysuru region.

Each train will accommodate 1,280 passengers, and though seat bookings have not yet opened, arrangements for lodging Ayodhya travellers will be made.

Commenting on the removal of a Lord Rama flex at Kolar, Simmha stated that there seems to be no place for Lord Rama in the Congress Government and people are beginning to understand this fact.

GATI Shakti Unit’s Mysuru Chief Project Manager Anand Bharathi, Senior Divisional Engineer Ravichandran, Deputy Chief Engineer Gudden and others were present at the meeting. 

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Mysore/Mysuru: India’s Republic Day (R-Day) celebrations are incomplete without colourful tableaux cantering down Kartavya Path (formally Rajpath), showcasing India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage on Jan 26.

However, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has charged that the Centre intentionally rejected the State tableau in the lead up to this year’s Republic Day. The CM has accused the Centre of meting out step-motherly treatment to Karnataka.

Countering Siddaramaiah, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simmha has said that the CM was blaming the Centre in order to cover-up the Congress Government’s failure in the last seven months. “Siddaramaiah has failed as CM and the Congress party has misled the Karnataka voters and the CM is diverting the attention of people by blaming the Centre,” he said.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Simmha said that Siddaramaiah has completed one full term as CM and now he has become the CM again but lacks basic understanding of the process involved in the R-Day parade tableaux selection. “Siddaramaiah is fully aware of the process and now he is deliberately giving misleading statements and his statements are full of malice and have no truth,” the MP charged.

Long selection process

“The tableaux proposals received are evaluated by a committee of experts appointed by the Ministry of Defence comprising prominent persons in the field of art, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, choreography, etc. The selection process happens in a phased manner,” the MP said.

The selection depends upon a combination of factors including but not limited to visual appeal, impact on the masses, idea, theme of the tableaux, degree of detailing involved in the tableaux, music accompanying the tableau and local artistes used, he explained.

 “Each year, the Centre comes up with an overarching theme, under which, participants can showcase elements relevant to their respective State/UT/department in their tableau. This year’s theme is “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and “Bharat: Loktantra ki Matrika” (India: the Mother of Democracy). Siddaramaiah is aware of all these processes but is misguiding people as if the Centre has caused injustice to Karnataka,” Pratap Simmha said.

In 2022, 21 tableaux were given a chance out of 36 tableaux and in 2023, 23 tableaux were given a chance and this time, the team of experts chose 25 tableaux that align with the theme and there is no politics involved here.

“In the last seven months, Siddaramaiah has nothing to showcase except failures and he is covering up by blaming the Centre. Many States have not got the chance to display their tableaux but they have accepted the expert decision but only Siddaramaiah has chosen to abuse the Centre. As a person occupying a dignified post, Siddaramaiah should not stoop so low,” Simmha said.

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Hunsur: Hanuma Jayanti was celebrated with a grand procession in Hunsur town yesterday,    drawing participation from thousands of people.

The procession commenced at Ranganatha Layout in the town at 11 am, featuring the ceremonial offering of floral tributes to the idol of Lord Hanuman. The dignitaries present included MLA G.D. Harish Gowda, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha, former MLA H.P. Manjunath, former MP C.H. Vijayashankar, Sri Nataraja Swamiji of Gavadagere Gurulinga Jangamadevara Mutt and Sri Sambasadashiva Swamiji of Madahalli Ukkinakanthe Mutt.

A total of 12 tableaux, representing Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Dattatreya, Jai Maruti, Rama, Lakshmana, Seetha, a copper idol of Lord Hanuman, Trishula (trident), Gadhe (Mace) and various cultural troupes such as Nagari, Dollu, bandset, Mangala Vadya, Huli Vesha, Veeragase, and dolls from Mangaluru, added vibrant hues to the procession.

As the participants walked along the procession, they enthusiastically chanted slogans like “Jai Sriram,” “Jai Hanuman,” and “Jai Bhajarangi,” accompanied by lively DJ music. Notably, as the procession traversed the bazaar street, Muslims exemplified harmony by distributing packets of buttermilk, bananas and sweets to the devotees of Hanuman.

In a precautionary measure, a substantial Police contingent was deployed along the procession route, including six Officers of the Superintendent of Police (SP) cadre, 12 DySPs, 16 Inspectors, 81 Sub-Inspectors, 152 Assistant Sub-Inspectors, 954 Head Constables, 10 platoons of KSRP, 11 platoons of DAR, eight drone cameras and  20 videographers.

The security arrangements were overseen by DIGP (Southern Range) Dr. M.B. Boralingaiah, SP Seema Latkar, Add Dy.SP Gopalakrishna.

Hon. President of Anjanadri Seva Trust Yoganand Kumar, President Venkatnarayan Das, Nagaraj Malladi, Hallada Koppal Naganna, former MLA Chikkamadu’s daughter Ranjitha and others were present.

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Task Force to check illegal practice; DC Dr. K.V. Rajendra, MP Pratap Simha ask officers to be vigilant

Mysore/Mysuru: Tightening the noose around those involved in conducting illegal sex determination tests, the District Administration, the Mysuru City Corporation and the office of the District Health Officer will conduct thorough inspections of ultrasound machines, records, doctors’ names and registrations, trade licences and past records of all clinics, hospitals and diagnostic centres. These inspections will span from the village level to the city level.

This decision comes after a nine-member gang including two doctors were arrested in Mysuru, Mandya and Bengaluru by Byappanahalli Police of Bengaluru uncovering a major sex determination racket.

The racket flourished at the now shut Mathaa Hospital at Udayagiri and Ayurvedic Piles Daycare Centre on Rajkumar Road. During interrogation, the accused admitted to aborting approximately 900 foetuses over the span of two years.

The issue came up during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committees (DISHA) meeting held this morning at Abdul Nazeer Saab auditorium, ZP Office premises, chaired by Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha. 

A District-level Task Force will be constituted to put an end to the illegal and unethical practice and the Task Force will have control over District, Taluk and Gram Panchayat-level teams. In the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) limits, a team of MCC officials, Police and the District Health Officer will be constituted.  

Check for unregistered ultrasonography

“Inspections of such centres across Mysuru and prosecution of those found to be violating the ban on sex determination tests has to be started immediately. Check if there are unregistered ultrasonography (machines that produce images of what is inside the body) and seize them in case of violations. Also check the records of ultrasounds done or forms that have been filled up before the test is taken,” Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr. K.V. Rajendra told the officers. 

The DC highlighted the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, often known as the Prohibition of Sex Selection Act. According to the Act, it is forbidden to employ any method to determine a foetus’ gender after conception. This was put into effect to stop the widespread practice of abortion of female foetuses in India, he noted. As per PCPNDT Act, any person found guilty can be imprisoned for five years and a financial penalty of Rs. 1 lakh can be imposed. 

Dr. Rajendra said that there has to be a mechanism in place wherein the Health Department and the Police conduct joint raids in suspected centres. Also, at the village level, Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are a major source of information on such centres. The staff at the PHC can track such centres and report to the higher authorities in the Health Department to curb this menace, he added.

Cancellation of licences

The DC called for renewed focus on areas where the illegal foetal sex determination was prevalent as indicated in the poor sex ratio at birth. He also instructed the respective departments to issue notices to all scan centres warning them against carrying out ultrasound without the mandatory registration numbers. The ultrasound centres must be warned of cancellation of licences for any violation of the instructions.

While inspecting the scanning centres and hospitals, the teams must check registration of the machine, whose name it was procured, its model, date of procurement, any repairs, if previous machines have been discarded or given to scrap dealers, full data of patients tested and records provided. 

Zilla Panchayat CEO K.M. Gayathri, MCC Commissioner Ashaad-ur-Rahman Shariff, District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. P.C. Kumaraswamy and other officers attended the meeting.

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Mysore/Mysuru: “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is creating awareness about the various programmes being implemented for the development of all citizens and particularly tribals,” opined Union Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi.

She was speaking after inaugurating a programme organised by the Mysuru region of Canara Bank in connection with the ongoing  Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra at Neralakuppe Government High School premises, Hanagod Hobli, Hunsur taluk on Nov.20.

Stating that the Yatra is creating awareness among the citizens of the country by giving information about many pro-people programmes of the Union Government like Swachh Bharat, Ujwala Scheme, Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana among others, the Minister said that to mark the World Toilet Day, crores of toilets have been built across the country with the special concern of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

The Central Government has implemented many special programmes for the welfare of women including ASHA workers and members of Self-Help Groups. Tribals are suffering from Sickle Cell disease which causes anaemia and Union Health Department has successfully launched a special programme to tackle this menace, concluded Union Minister Lekhi.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha, who also spoke at the programme, said that “Open Defecation Free India is the aim of PM Modi and Swachh Bharat is a flagship programme of the Union Government. Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is disseminating information about the various programmes of the Central Government which included free rice to the poor, free LPG cylinders under Ujwala Scheme, health insurance scheme etc. Also steps will be taken to provide marketing facilities to the unauthorised tobacco growers of the region.”

A calendar of the year 2024 and a booklet about the pro-people programmes of the Central Government and certificates for PM Jansuraksha Yojana beneficiaries, Kisan Credit Card and Ujwala LPG cylinders were distributed to the beneficiaries during the event.  A demonstration on sprinkling urea was conducted by the Department of   Fertilisers on the occasion.

Neralakuppe Gram Panchayat President Geeta Suresh, Vice-President Rukmini Suresh, SBI’s Dy. General Manager Rajasekhar Raghavan, Canara Bank DGM Ramesh, Canara Bank Regional Manager P.S.Umesh, Lead District Manager V.N. Nagesh and others were present.

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Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha greeting newly appointed BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra with a bouquet at the latter’s residence in Bengaluru yesterday.

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Mysore/Mysuru: In a determined pursuit spanning six years, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha has been advocating for the establishment of an international-level cricket stadium in Mysuru, in collaboration with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). 

Despite persistent efforts, the ambitious project has encountered setbacks primarily due to the unavailability of suitable land. The initially proposed site in Sathagalli village, owned by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and spanning 19-20 acres, had to be abandoned due to various factors, including the high price of land.

Undeterred by the challenges, MP Pratap Simha submitted a fresh proposal seeking Government approval for the construction of the stadium at a new site.

The proposed location covers survey number 312 (19 acres) and survey number 313 (7.31 acres), totalling 26.31 acres in Huyilalu village, Yelwal hobli, Mysuru taluk. Crucially, this land is Government-owned, mitigating concerns related to land acquisition.

This renewed effort, spanning the past two years, aims to secure the necessary approvals to turn the cricket stadium dream into reality. The project has garnered support from local authorities, with the District Administration identifying the 26.31-acre Government-owned land in Huyilalu village.

The proposal underwent a comprehensive review process by the Regional Commissioner, who has now forwarded it to the State Government through the Principal Secretary of the Revenue Department for the sanction of Government land, the MP said.

Once approved, the KSCA is poised to play a pivotal role in bringing international cricket matches to Mysuru. The establishment of an international cricket stadium in Mysuru is not only perceived as a significant sporting initiative but also as a catalyst for economic growth in the region.

Envisioned to draw thousands of spectators from across the country and beyond, the stadium is anticipated to stimulate economic activities and tourism, making a substantial contribution to the overall development of Mysuru and its surrounding areas.

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Mysore/Mysuru: Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa launched the one-day workshop on ‘One Nation-One Ration Card’ initiative of the Government of India at KSOU Convocation Hall in Muktagangothri campus on Hunsur Road here this morning.

Muniyappa also launched ‘Anna Suvidha’ initiative of the State Government, which is aimed at supplying grains to the doorsteps of beneficiary citizens aged above 90 years.

Speaking on the occasion, Muniyappa said that the State Government’s ‘Anna Bhagya Scheme’ under which 10 kg of rice will be given to each beneficiary person per month is aimed at ensuring that no person suffers from hunger in the State.

Pointing out that at present, the State is giving 5 kg rice and money instead of additional 5 kg of rice under the Scheme, he said that the rice is supplied to the State through the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

Noting that 4 crore people  out of nearly 7 crore in the State are getting ration under PDS (Public Distribution System), the Minister said that still 40 lakh people are awaiting ration card to avail food grains under PDS.

“We have sought the Union Government to release more quantity of rice and food grains to meet the growing demands of the State for ration under PDS. We are at present sourcing rice from Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to supply 5 kgs of additional rice to every person that has been  promised under ‘Anna Bhagya’. However, we cannot say when the State Government will begin to provide 10 kgs of rice. Currently, the Government is paying Rs.170 a month to each beneficiary in lieu of 5 kgs of rice, as the State is short of the grain,”  Minister Muniyappa said adding that the Government is making honest efforts to source rice that is required for wholesome implementation of ‘Anna Bhagya’ Scheme.

Maintaining that action will be taken if there are complaints on poor quality of grains, he said that the Government is committed for addressing the problems faced by Fair Price Shop owners.

District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, MP Pratap Simha, MLA K. Harishgowda, Deputy Commissioner Dr. K.V. Rajendra and other officials were present.

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