Speaking in Kannada, he alleges financial mismanagement. Says Siddu Govt. has made only zero progress.

New Delhi: Following the ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation by Karnataka Congress Government, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simmha took on the Government in Karnataka for what he described as mismanagement of funds allocated by the Centre.  He likened Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a provider of resources contrasting this with CM Siddaramaiah, whom he accused of misusing these grants for political gains, causing loss to the State exchequer.

“Siddaramaiah’s present tenure as the CM is tarnishing the State’s reputation. To deflect attention from his own wrongdoing, the entire Congress Government apparatus is pointing fingers at the Centre. Apart from promoting their five election promises through propaganda, which have remained unfulfilled till now, the Congress Govt. has failed to deliver even the smallest amount of progress in the past seven months,” he charged.

Addressing the Lok Sabha, when N.K. Premchandran was in the chair, the MP spoke on the recent Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Speaking in Kannada for about 13 minutes, Simmha spoke about the financial grants provided by PM Modi to Karnataka, the development of the State, disbursement of drought relief funds and the failure of the Congress Government to utilise the Central grants efficiently. 

A travelling talkies

“Prior to the Assembly elections, Congress leaders traversed Karnataka, akin to a travelling talkies, hurling unfounded accusations at the BJP. They extensively promoted the five electoral guarantees, which the public embraced. However, failing to fulfil these promises, they now shift blame onto the Centre. These pledges were impractical, and due to gross mismanagement, the Karnataka Government has depleted its coffers. With a lack of funds, they now point fingers at the Centre for their own shortcomings,” the MP remarked.

Cauvery issue

“The Congress Government has even faltered in presenting its case before the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), despite dwindling water levels in reservoirs and a dearth of rainfall this year. They were swift to form an alliance with the DMK in Tamil Nadu to establish the I.N.D.I. Alliance but lacked the guts to persuade the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister against demanding water for agricultural purposes, considering Karnataka’s severe drought conditions where water scarcity extends even to drinking water. Instead of taking responsibility, Siddaramaiah opted to shift blame onto the Centre yet again, seeking PM Modi’s intervention,” Pratap Simmha said. 

The MP highlighted that prior to 2014, Karnataka possessed 6,760 kilometres of National Highways. “Presently, the State boasts 13,650 kilometres of new highways, with the Centre allocating Rs. 1,16,444 crore for this purpose. Notably, a state-of-the-art Expressway has been completed between Bengaluru and Mysuru, alongside numerous railway and road projects that have been initiated in Karnataka, collectively amounting to an estimated cost of Rs. 1,50,000 crore,” he disclosed.

Political stunt

“Before 2014, Karnataka used to receive Rs. 800 crore from the Centre. Presently, it receives Rs. 7,000 crore, with a minimum grant of Rs. 5,000 crore allocated in every budget. Maharashtra contributes Rs. 6.14 lakh crore in direct taxes to the Centre, while Delhi contributes Rs. 2.15 lakh crore, Karnataka Rs. 2.05 lakh crore and Tamil Nadu Rs. 1.06 lakh crore. Notably, Karnataka stands alone in alleging tax devolution disparity among States,” he noted.  

“Despite having representation in the 14th and 15th Finance Commission, including the Karnataka CM and several officials, no objections regarding Finance Commission grants have been raised thus far. These false issues are being raised now as the Lok Sabha elections draw near, with the Congress seeking political advantage,” Simha asserted.

‘Congress Govt. is just pretending to be working’ 

The Congress Government in Karnataka, despite being in power for seven months, has failed to achieve any significant accomplishments. Their actions seem more like mere pretence, with Ministers and MLAs touring around like a travelling circus. The people of Karnataka have made up their minds to elect BJP candidates in all 28 seats and reinstate Modi as the Prime Minister again. In light of this, the Congress has grown desperate, he said.

“From 2004 to 2014, Karnataka received Rs. 3,233 crore from the NDRF fund. However, PM Modi has allocated Rs. 11,603 crore to the State. Despite this, the Congress Government has reported an estimated loss of Rs. 34,000 crore and has requested funds from the Centre. While awaiting the investigation and release of funds by the NDRF, the State should have provided Rs. 17,000 crore to the farmers. Yet, the Siddaramaiah Government has only disbursed Rs. 105 crore thus far,” he said.

Submits report card to Amit Shah

MP Pratap Simmha presented a comprehensive report on the developmental strides achieved in his Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha constituency to Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday.  Since 2014, Simmha elaborated on the various development initiatives undertaken in his constituency and highlighted their positive impact on the entire region’s populace. He emphasised that the progress of these initiatives has played a pivotal role in driving economic growth across the region. BJP National President J.P. Nadda was also present.

Siddaramaiah lies on a daily basis

In 1956, Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the Freight Equalisation System. Coal generated in States like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, etc., is transported to the power station in Raichur, Karnataka, facilitating development from north to south. Despite being aware of this fact, the Congress party conveniently forgets Nehru’s policy and falsely claims that the north is unfairly benefiting from the south. Despite allocations of funds by the 15th Finance Commission based on factors like population and land area, Siddaramaiah, who has presented 14 budgets, continues to deceive and mislead the public with lies on a daily basis.” — Pratap Simmha, Mysuru-Kodagu MP

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Mysore/Mysuru: Kusumabai, a third year degree student of JSS College of Arts, Commerce and Science on Ooty Road in  city won the first prize in the District-level essay contest organised by Department of Information and Public Relations, Mysuru, as part of Gandhi Jayanthi.

She received the cash prize of Rs.11,000 from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the latter’s Home Office ‘Krishna’ in Bengaluru recently. Her essay also won the third place in the State-level contest.

Information and Public Relations Department Secretary K.V. Trilokchandra, Commissioner Hemanth Nimbalkar, Joint Director Manjunath Dollin and others were present.

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Cesc MD suspended as the power button to mark inauguration of an event by Chief Minister fails

Periyapatna: C.N. Sridhar, Managing Director of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (Cesc) Limited has been suspended for dereliction of duty, for making a blunder at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s programme organised to kick-start filling of water to lakes from Cauvery river at Muttina Mullasoge village in the taluk on Wednesday.

A project to fill water to 150 lakes in 79 villages from Cauvery river was organised at Muttina Mullasoge, during which Chief Minister pressed the button of a motor pump to kickstart the flow of water through pipes from Cauvery river.

However, even after pressing the button umpteen number of times, it went kaput, much to the embarrassment of CM and other dignitaries present during the programme. Anticipating successful launch, those present among the gathering also gave a big round of applause. 

But, it came to know later that Cesc authorities had not made adequate arrangements for the event, upon learning which CM turned red, with Cesc MD also conspicuous by his absence at VIP programme.

Following a report from Deputy Commissioner Dr. K.V. Rajendra, Under Secretary to Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), Umadevi issued orders suspending Cesc MD Sridhar for dereliction of duty and violation of protocol.

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Mysore/Mysuru: Maintaining that the construction of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya will not politically benefit BJP in the forthcoming Lok Sabha (LS) polls, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the issue in fact, will boomerang on that party.

Addressing a press meet at his residence in T.K. Layout here this morning, Siddaramaiah contended that Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an incomplete Ram Mandir to gain a political mileage in LS polls. But it will instead bommerang on the BJP’s political game plans, as the people of the country are closely watching the developments concerning Ram Mandir. He pointed  out that, the people of the country will cast their ballots in keeping with the aspirations of the Constitution as they have accepted it.

Caste census: Replying to a question on caste census, the CM said “I do not know much about the census report. The Jayaprakash Hegde headed Backward Classes Commission has not sought time from the Government for submitting its report. However,  the Government will give time if sought and will later accept it. No one has read the report and as such nobody can speak about it. It is wrong  to say the report is unscientific without going through it.”

Referring to reports that former CM Jagadish Shettar may return to BJP, Siddaramaiah said Shettar himself has time and again clarified that he will not return to BJP which insulted him. Shettar would not go to the BJP again despite all the efforts by that party to woo him back to its fold, the CM asserted.

One Nation, One Poll: Commenting on the ongoing ‘One Nation, One Poll’ debate, the CM said we have to  see whether the idea is practical in the first place. Pointing out that, it is important to see whether the idea is within the limits of the Constitution, he said that protecting  and following the Constitution is the need of the hour. Observing that efforts are being made to belittle the Constitution, he said the youths of the country are watching all the developments.

Rahul’s Yatra: Referring to filing of First Information Report (FIR) against Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi in Assam, Siddaramaiah said that the BJP Government in Assam is making all efforts to scuttle Rahul’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Stating that he strongly condemns the Assam Government’s action, he said that the Government has resorted to undemocratic means to scuttle the Yatra as it fears the huge popularity the Yatra is gaining in that State.

Boards and Corporations: Responding to appointment to Boards and Corporations, the CM merely said that the list will be released only after the party High Command gives its nod.

Constitution Day: The CM further said that, marking the 75th anniversary of the Constitution Day, a Constitution awareness Jatha will be taken out in the State from Jan. 26 to Feb. 23, Constitution Workshop and Expo on Feb. 24 and 25 (morning) and Constitution mega convention in Bengaluru on Feb. 25 evening.

District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh, MLAs Tanveer Sait, K. Harishgowda and D. Ravishankar, former MLAs H.P. Manjunath and M.K. Somashekar, former MP Kagalawadi M. Shivanna and former ZP President K. Marigowda were present.

CM holds one-to-one meeting with Congress MLAs from Mysuru and Chamarajanagar

In an interesting development, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah soon after concluding his press meet, held an unscheduled  one-to-one meeting with his party MLAs from Mysuru and Chamarajanagar Districts. The meeting assumes significance in the wake of selection of Congress candidates for Mysuru-Kodagu and Chamarajanagar (SC Reserve) Constituencies for the forthcoming LS polls and also concerning reports that the BJP may carry out  ‘Operation Lotus’ to poach the ruling party MLAs after the LS polls in a bid to topple Congress Government.

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Mysore/Mysuru: Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simmha took a dig at former MLA Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of Chief Minister (CM) Siddaramaiah, in reference to the latter’s sarcastic remarks about him.

It may be recalled that, a few days ago, Dr. Yathindra, taking objection to certain remarks of Simmha, had mockingly asked, if Pratap Simmha was a ‘National leader’ to talk with such authority.

Today, when media persons asked Pratap Simmha for his reaction regarding Yathindra’s ‘National leader’ jibe, the MP shot back saying, “Definitely I am not a National leader. I come from a poor family and was lucky enough to rise to this position through my writing abilities.”

Pratap Simmha then took a sarcastic dig at Dr. Yathindra by saying, “May be a National leader is one who secures the contract of a private laboratory using his father’s clout as CM. A National leader is one who forces his father to vacate his home turf and find another in Badami. A National leader is one who mounts pressure on his father to sign the transfer list given by him. So, I guess the real National leader of Mysuru region is Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah.”

Speaking about whether CM Siddaramaiah should visit Ayodhya or not, Pratap Simmha said, “It is the prerogative of Siddaramaiah whether to visit Ayodhya or not. One should ask Congress whether they believe in Rama Rajya or Ravana Rajya?”

To the allegations of using Anna Bhagya rice to distribute Mantrakshate from Ayodhya, Pratap Simmha said “Can the hands that cannot accept Mantrakshate give rice to prepare Mantrakshate? After all, Siddaramaiah doesn’t believe in Akshate and Gotra.”

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Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar (DKS) was conferred with ‘Person of the Year’ award by the Press Club of Bengaluru at a programme organised here recently. Also, former Minister Shyamanur Shivashankarappa, Labour Minister Santosh Lad and the CM’s Political Secretary K. Govindaraju were felicitated.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the Constitution is our dharma and following ‘Rajakiya Dharma’ is the best honour that we can give to our Constitution.

Pointing out that the Constitution was implemented after a prolonged and purposeful debate, he said as such, it is the responsibility of every political party to honour and follow the Constitution.

Observing that reporting facts should be the ‘Patrika Dharma’ of newspapers, the CM said expressed disappointment that of late the Press is giving undue coverage to non-issues and issues of little importance or significance. He called upon the journalists to caution the Government whenever it goes on the wrong path.

Siddaramaiah also released the Press Club’s 2024 Diary at the event. Former Supreme Court Judge Shivaraj Patil and others were present.

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Mysore/Mysuru: Expressing dismay over his younger brother Vikram Simha’s arrest in an illegal tree felling case in Hassan, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simmha has taken a sarcastic swipe at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, suggesting that one should learn the art of troubling others from Siddaramaiah. Addressing the media at his Vijayanagar residence this morning, Pratap Simmha ironically applauded Siddaramaiah for his promotion of his son’s political career and his prowess in demeaning others.

Pratap Simmha sarcastically said, “I would like to appreciate Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for two reasons. One is the promotion of the political career of his son by making him an MP and the other is his expertise in degrading others. You are a great father and most children do not get such a father. You are playing games to finish off Pratap Simmha as I am coming in the way of your son’s ambitions of becoming an MP.” 

“You are a brilliant politician. You have chosen to target me to divert public attention and media glare from the Belagavi incident where a helpless woman was stripped naked when the Assembly Session was underway in Belagavi. Your Minister Madhu Bangarappa has been sentenced in a cheque bounce case. But instead of arresting the convicted, you have targeted me and my younger brother,” he said. 

“An FIR has been filed in which Jayamma, Rajesh Shetty and Ravi have been named as the accused. The Forest Department officials have been unable to nab the accused thus far and the felled trees have been kept in Hassan’s Aranya Bhavan. The officials were unable to arrest the accused till Dec. 24. I made a statement during Hanuma Jayanti celebrations and just two hours later, Congress leaders came up with social media posts that Pratap Simmha’s brother is involved in tree smuggling,” Pratap Simmha said.

“The FIR did not name my brother as an accused. But still, the Forest officials arrested my brother in an effort to finish me off politically. The CM is misleading the public regarding the tree felling case,” Pratap Simmha said while again taking on the CM.

Stating that the CM was using all false propaganda to politically finish him off, Pratap Simmha questioned the CM why he was dragging his (MP) family members into the case.

“Your son has forsaken his Assembly seat to you. Now you have to rehabilitate him politically, for which you are ready to go any distance and do whatever you like. I would like to ask you to arrest even my aged mother and sister. Let your family politics continue, for which you are keen to finish off my family,” he said.

“Despite all this, I would like to tell you that you do not have too many ways. The people of Mysuru-Kodagu will not let me down for any reason. Even Goddesses Chamundeshwari and Cauvery too will not. You may make any number of attempts or come up with game-plans to tarnish my image and finish me off politically. There are no other options for you other than playing dirty tricks on me,” he said.

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Mysore/Mysuru: In response to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s renewed push for a ropeway to Chamundi Hill in the city, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simmha has strongly voiced his opposition to the project. Emphasising his stand against any initiative that could harm the environment, Simmha reiterated his previous stance on the ropeway.

Addressing media persons at Jaladarshini Guest House this morning, Simmha reaffirmed, “Earlier too, I have spoken against the ropeway in no uncertain terms and I stand by my words.”

He highlighted that projects such as the ropeway could have adverse effects on the environment. Simmha pointed out that the district administration had previously made a decision against the ropeway during G.T. Devegowda’s tenure as a District Minister, a stance upheld when Basavaraj Bommai served as the Chief Minister.

Mysore Airport

On Mysore Airport, the MP said, “A total of Rs. 319 crore has been earmarked for the expansion of runway of Mysore Airport, with Rs. 175 crore to pay compensation towards acquisition of lands. A compensation of Rs. 154 crore is awarded for 85 acres of land and the process related to award of compensation for eight acres is on.”

Simmha added that of the total 240 acres of land required for runway expansion, the land acquisition process related to 137 acres is underway while Rs. 534 crore will be allotted by Airports Authority of India (AAI) to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to divert the Nanjangud                                                                Highway passing in front of the Airport. The runway, if expanded, will intersect the Highway and as such, it has to be diverted.

The MP, who also broached upon the current situation at Mysore Airport with a dwindling number of flights compared to a few months ago, blamed it on the lack of runway to facilitate                                                                 operation of big size flights. Alliance Air flight has been withdrawn for repair works, while Indigo Airlines has only ATR-20 type bigger flight. Considering the demand for flight connectivity between Kochi and Goa from Mysuru, talks are on with Star Airways to operate flights to these destinations, he added.

Earlier, MP Pratap Simmha held a meeting with Officers of Mysore Airport and Karnataka Industrial Areas Board (KIADB) to review developments related to expansion of the Airport.

Director of Mysore Airport J.R. Anup and Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO) of KIADB V. Priyadarshini and other officers attended the meeting.

Kaynes goes to Telangana

Mysuru-based Kaynes Technologies had plans to establish a much-discussed semiconductor plant at Kochanahalli near Nanjangud. But the company shifted the plan to Telangana, as the current Congress Government in Karnataka did not allot the required land despite entering into a MoU, Simmha regretted.

Sri Ram Mandir

Simmha also gave a call to the managements of various temples in the district to organise special pujas and bhajans on the occasion of inauguration of Sri Ram Mandir on Jan. 22, 2024 at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa, former Mayor Shivakumar and BJP Minority Morcha State President Dr. Anil Thomas were present at the press meet.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra begins

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was flagged off at Sharadadevinagar Circle in the city this morning. The yatra will cover 254 Gram Panchayats (GP) in Mysuru district and 104 GPs in Kodagu and 65 wards of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC).

During the Yatra, it was publicised that eligible beneficiaries can enrol under various schemes of the Centre like — PM Kisan Samman Yojana, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Ujjwala among others. The eligible beneficiaries under Ujjwala scheme were distributed the benefits on the occasion.

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Proposal made in 2015 by academicians and industrialists favouring Mysuru gains renewed momentum

Mysore/Mysuru: The initiative to position Mysuru as an optimal location for the establishment of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) has gained renewed momentum, as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently presented a proposal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his submission to the Prime Minister, the CM highlighted Mysuru as the top choice for setting up the IIT, with Hassan being considered as the second  preference. Former Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Revanna, who is also the current Holenarasipura MLA, has strongly advocated for the establishment of an IIT in Hassan and has already identified a substantial land area for this purpose.

Notably, if an IIT is established in either Mysuru or Hassan, it would mark the second IIT in Karnataka, following the one establishing in Dharwad. Sources suggest that PM Modi has responded positively to CM Siddaramaiah’s proposal that has mentioned that the State Government would extend all possible support including land and infrastructure for IIT.

Revanna has been steadfast in advocating for the establishment of IIT in Hassan, with an extensive 1,100 acres of land already earmarked for this purpose by KIADB during JD(S)-BJP regime in the State in 2007.
Previously, former PM H.D. Deve Gowda engaged with PM Modi, urging the setup of an IIT in the district.

The acquired land for the institute is located near the Bengaluru-Mangaluru Highway, and the ongoing Bengaluru-Hassan railway project adds to its appeal. The connectivity and infrastructure make Hassan an ideal choice for the proposed IIT, he told the PM.

Mysuru Vs Hassan

The process of recommending the establishment of an IIT involves the State Government as it is the recommending authority and Revanna has been urging Siddaramaiah to endorse Hassan as the preferred location.

However, Siddaramaiah, with a preference for his home district of Mysuru, faced the challenge of balancing competing interests. In the past too, he yielded to public pressure by supporting the establishment of the Dharwad IIT instead of bringing the premier institute to his hometown.

Due to Revanna’s persistent appeals, Siddaramaiah eventually wrote to the Prime Minister, requesting the establishment of an IIT in South Karnataka. In the letter, Mysuru was cited as the primary preference, with Hassan listed as the secondary choice.

To lay the groundwork for this proposal, Revanna held discussions with Siddaramaiah on Dec. 20, 2023, in New Delhi. In a related development, on Dec. 21, former PM Deve Gowda, Revanna and former CM H.D. Kumaraswamy met Modi in Delhi to reiterate their demand for an IIT in Hassan. During this meeting, Siddaramaiah’s letter, along with the State Government’s proposal for the third IIT, was submitted to Modi, who reportedly responded positively, according to sources.

Academicians and industrialists in favour

Efforts to position Mysuru as the preferred location for an IIT have a history dating back to 2015. Initially proposed in that year, the idea garnered support from academics and the Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) as they advocated for establishing this prestigious institute in Mysuru.

During the CM’s first term, the MCCI, emphasising merit as the primary criterion, wrote a letter endorsing the necessity of an IIT in Mysuru. According to the MCCI, the presence of an IIT would significantly impact the overall trade and industrial development in the region.

Highlighting the considerable contribution of Mysureans to the nation’s pool of IITians, technologists and scientists, the MCCI underscored the potential benefits. Besides fostering better interactions between industry and institutions, the establishment of an IIT in Mysuru could catalyse entrepreneurial talent among the younger generation, thereby restoring Mysuru’s status as a premier educational hub.

The city’s appeal for hosting an IIT is further supported by its expansive developed industrial area, second only to Bengaluru. Eminent educationists also endorsed Mysuru as an ideal location due to factors such as ready availability of land, favourable weather, educational /career opportunities for families of IIT staff and excellent connectivity.

‘IIT must be established in the Old Mysore region’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded positively to the demand for establishing another IIT in Karnataka. The demand for an IIT in Hassan has been active since 2016. However, due to consistent demand for establishing an IIT in Mysuru and being his home district, Siddaramaiah has prioritised Mysuru for this initiative. Our primary focus is not on establishing an IIT in Hassan or Mysuru. Instead, we strongly advocate for the establishment of the IIT in the Old Mysore region, though we are amenable to it being established in Mysuru. Considering the entirety and significance of this region, we firmly believe that an IIT must be established in the Old Mysore region. In the event that the IIT is allotted to Hassan, we have already reserved 1,100 acres of land for it, eliminating the need to search for additional land.” —H.D. Revanna, Holenarasipura MLA and former Minister

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Mysore/Mysuru: Following the renewed demand for building a ropeway to Chamundi Hill in the city made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a delegation of environmentalists and writers from the city will be meeting the CM in Bengaluru in first week of January 2024.

Environmentalist Parashurame Gowda of Parisara Balaga, who addressed media persons on behalf of Chamundi Betta Ulisi Samiti at Patrakarthara Bhavana here this morning said “We have sought time to meet the CM and explain him with regard to ropeway issue. We are most likely to get the appointment of CM Siddaramaiah  on Jan. 2 or 3. Besides, we will also meet the members of Mysuru Hotel Owners Association and explain them about the ecological sensitivity of Chamundi Hill.”

Reiterating his vehement opposition to connect Chamundi Hill by a ropeway, Parashurame Gowda said “The lofty hill is the identity of Mysuru and should take steps to preserve its religious significance. The ropeway proposal was first made during the tenure of Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde and the green lovers have been voicing against the plan since then. A Forest Officer of Mysuru had also submitted a report to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) in Bengaluru against ropeway plan in 2012.”

Chamundi Betta Ulisi Samiti had also collected 70,000 signatures online, besides eliciting the opinions of several others through personal interactions in February-March 2022. In continuance, a Round Table meeting had been organised at JSS Women’s College auditorium, Saraswathipuram on Apr. 3, 2022, where experts had shared their apprehension over the said project. Even Royal Family member Pramoda Devi Wadiyar had expressed her resentment.

Writer Prof. Kalegowda Nagawara said “Mysuru is the second most tourist spot after Agra in New Delhi, visited by the tourists. Chamundi Hill also has health benefits, hence the aesthetics should be maintained without any disturbance.”

Heritage expert Prof.N.S. Rangaraju clarified that we are not opposed to tourism development, but averse to any destructive plans in the name of tourism development. Most importantly, there is no need for a ropeway to Chamundi Hill, but the one that definitely needs a Ropeway is Madhugiri Hill in Tumakuru.

Progressive thinker Prof. Kalachanne Gowda, Parisara Balaga Member Bhagya Shankar and model Mallamma Ganigi also spoke at the press meet, sharing their views on the issue.

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