Mysuru: Appoint Commissioner to MDA immediately, urges MLC

Raghu Kautilya, BJP MLC, has urged the State government to immediately appoint a Commissioner to the Mysuru Development Authority (MDA).

The post has been lying vacant ever since Rakshith, who was earlier serving as Commissioner, was appointed as private secretary to Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah.

Addressing a press conference in Mysuru on Wednesday (July 15), Mr. Kautilya, who is also the BJP’s OBC Morcha president, said the functioning of MDA, which had been in the news over the alleged scam relating to the 50:50 ratio scheme, has been seriously affected without a Commissioner.

He also questioned the allocation of the Urban Development portfolio to Mr. Yathindra in view of the allegations of his family members’ involvement in the scam.

With the investigation into the alleged scam still continuing, Mr. Yathindra should not have been allocated the Urban Development portfolio. The portfolio can, however, be allocated if their family is cleared of the charges, he said.

Mr. Kautilya also demanded the formation of a vigilance wing to protect the properties of MDA. 

Dasara

Mr. Kautilya urged the government to consider Suttur Mutt seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami to inaugurate this year’s Dasara festival while suggesting that actor Rajnikanth can be invited to inaugurate the cultural programmes.

“MLA T.S. Srivatsa has suggested that the Suttur Mutt Seer be considered for inaugurating Dasara, and I too endorse his suggestion”, he said.

Heritage buildings

With this year’s Dasara fast approaching, Mr. Kautilya said the government should immediately take measures to spruce up the heritage structures in Mysuru that are in a dilapidated condition. 

“During Dasara, tourists from other States as well as foreign countries visit Mysuru to experience its culture. Therefore, heritage buildings should be maintained and efforts should be made to showcase the city’s culture to visiting tourists,” he said.

He also felt that a display of tableaux from other States during Dasara will add to the variety and benefit tourism.