Mysuru: Development works at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds have triggered a political dispute, with BJP MLC and former Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) Chairman R. Raghu Kautilya alleging irregularities in the spending and execution of projects and seeking a Lokayukta probe.

Raghu Kautilya inspected the Exhibition Grounds on September 17 and questioned the expenditure on various ongoing works. He alleged that the KEA had received substantial government funds over the past three years but that the development visible at the venue did not correspond with the money sanctioned.

The KEA, however, has rejected the allegations. Chairman Ayub Khan termed the charges a politically motivated publicity exercise and defended the expenditure, citing increased footfall and revenue at the Exhibition Grounds.

Raghu Kautilya alleges misuse of funds

Raghu Kautilya said he inspected the premises in his capacity as a people’s representative and questioned the nature and quality of the development works.

According to the MLC, the KEA had received around ₹25 crore through tenders, while the government had sanctioned more than ₹100 crore for various works. He alleged that there was no corresponding visible transformation at the Exhibition Grounds and said the spending raised concerns about the possible misuse of public money.

Raghu said he would approach the Lokayukta and seek an investigation into the expenditure and alleged irregularities.

He also questioned the construction of zinc-sheet stalls at the venue, pointing out that the KEA had earlier announced plans for permanent stalls at a cost of around ₹9 crore.

The MLC further alleged that the cultural character of the Exhibition Grounds was being affected by the ongoing development.

Dispute over Dr Rajkumar bust

Another major point of contention is the relocation of the bust of legendary Kannada actor Dr Rajkumar.

Raghu objected to the bust being shifted from a prominent location near the entrance to a side area of the Exhibition Grounds. He recalled that the bust had earlier been installed opposite the fountain and that the lane was subsequently named Dr Rajkumar Marga.

He also alleged that several areas of the Exhibition Grounds had historically been named after Jnanpith award-winning Kannada littérateurs and questioned changes made in the name of development.

Raghu linked the changes to broader concerns about preserving the cultural identity of the Exhibition Grounds.

KEA Chairman rejects corruption allegations

Responding to the allegations, KEA Chairman Ayub Khan strongly denied any wrongdoing in the development works.

Khan said the allegations were a “politically motivated publicity stunt” and maintained that the projects had contributed to a substantial increase in visitor footfall and revenue.

According to Khan, when he assumed charge in 2024, annual footfall at the Exhibition Grounds was around 8 lakh to 8.5 lakh. He claimed that it had subsequently increased to approximately 16 lakh to 18 lakh.

He also said annual revenue had increased by around ₹3 crore to ₹3.5 crore.

Khan said the Authority was prepared to provide records relating to the development works and expenditure.

KEA explains musical fountain expenditure

The musical fountain at the Exhibition Grounds has also come under scrutiny.

Raghu Kautilya had questioned the expenditure on the fountain and other infrastructure projects. Khan, however, defended the cost, saying the fountain measures approximately 500 feet in length and 34 feet in width.

He said the structure cost around ₹8 crore excluding GST, taking the overall expenditure to approximately ₹9 crore.

Khan compared the project with the fountain at the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam, which he said measures around 30 feet by 30 feet and cost approximately ₹2.20 crore. He argued that the Exhibition Grounds fountain is significantly larger and therefore should be assessed in that context.

Ayub Khan says cultural identity has not been altered

Khan also rejected the allegation that the development works were erasing historical names or diluting the cultural character of the Exhibition Grounds.

He said existing names associated with historical figures, literary personalities and old structures had not been removed.

According to Khan, the new ‘A’ Block was constructed on newly developed land and did not involve replacing an existing road named after Dr Rajkumar or another personality.

He said the complex had been named ‘Siddaramaiah Angala’ and that there was no formal record connecting the newly developed site to an earlier road name.

Khan also pointed out that the newly created dragon pond had been constructed on previously unallocated land and named ‘Rajiv Gandhi Dragon Pond’.

He said the architecture of the new A Block was inspired by the traditional Belur-Halebidu architectural style, including Hoysala motifs and symbols such as Nandi.

Bust shifted after consultations, says Khan

Khan separately addressed the controversy over the Dr Rajkumar bust.

He said the bust was not shifted with any intention of disrespecting the late actor. Khan said he had immense respect for Dr Rajkumar and recalled that, during his tenure as Mysuru Mayor in 2008, he had named a park near Chamaraja Circle after the actor.

Khan said the relocation was carried out after discussions with Kannada organisations, Dr Rajkumar fan associations and other stakeholders.

He further claimed that Raghu Kautilya himself had been consulted before the bust was shifted and had offered suggestions regarding its new location.

According to Khan, the bust was moved only around 20 feet to the side and placed under the shade of a tree within the Exhibition Grounds, where visitors could continue to pay their respects.

Dispute comes ahead of Mysuru Dasara

The controversy comes at a time when preparations are underway for the annual Mysuru Dasara, with the Exhibition Grounds expected to attract large crowds during the festival season.

The dispute has now centred on two separate issues: allegations by Raghu Kautilya regarding the scale and quality of expenditure, and the KEA’s defence of the projects based on its own figures for footfall, revenue and infrastructure investment.

Raghu has said he intends to seek a Lokayukta investigation into the alleged misuse of funds. The allegations, however, remain allegations unless established through an official inquiry or other competent process.

The KEA, for its part, has denied the corruption charges and said it is prepared to substantiate the expenditure through official records.

Lokayukta probe could bring clarity

The proposed complaint to the Lokayukta could bring the expenditure and execution of the Exhibition Grounds projects under formal scrutiny if a complaint is filed and taken up for investigation.

The key issues likely to come under focus include the government funds sanctioned to the KEA, tender values, project estimates, actual expenditure, quality of completed works and the reasons behind the relocation of existing structures and installations.

For now, the dispute remains a clash of allegations and counterclaims between the MLC and the KEA leadership. Any determination on whether financial irregularities occurred would depend on documentary records and the findings of the competent authorities.