Over a decade after construction began, the Ambedkar Bhavan on Dewan’s Road, Mysuru remains unfinished, drawing strong criticism from Dalit rights activists. On Monday, Siddaraju, President of Prabhudha Bharatha Bheem Sene, issued a 15-day deadline to the government to resume and complete the long-pending project.
“If the work doesn’t restart within the next two weeks, we will launch an indefinite protest in front of Ambedkar Bhavan,” Siddaraju announced, calling the delay a serious affront to Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy.
He expressed disappointment that despite Mysuru being the political base of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and District Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, both known supporters of Dr Ambedkar’s ideology, no significant progress has been made.
The foundation for the Bhavan was laid in 2012, with an initial budget of ₹4.6 crore. That estimate has since escalated to ₹20.6 crore, with 60% of the project completed, according to reports. The remaining work—including parking and interior development—requires an additional ₹23 crore. Though the government has sanctioned ₹23.8 crore for Phase 2, Minister Mahadevappa’s assurance has not translated into on-ground activity.
“If there are genuine hurdles, officials must come forward and clarify,” Siddaraju said. “But continued silence and inaction will only force us to take to the streets.”
The demand to complete the Ambedkar Bhavan is not just about infrastructure, but about upholding dignity, inclusion, and historical respect, he emphasized.