Mysuru, 1 Nov

Tension prevailed in Mysuru on Saturday as Kannada activists led by former minister and MLC H Vishwanath protested in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, condemning the delay in unveiling the statue of former chief minister D Devaraj Urs.

The statue, installed in the premises of the new DC’s office at Siddharth Nagar, has been ready for several months, but authorities have yet to announce an inauguration date. 

Protesters attempted to march towards the DC’s office but were stopped by police.

Vishwanath said that former chief minister BS Yediyurappa had sanctioned Rs 92 lakh for the project, the foundation stone was laid last year, and all works, including installation, were completed. He demanded that the government and district administration unveil the statue during the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations.

However, the Congress has said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will unveil the statue on 3 November.

Siddaramaiah also said that the government would move to grant Urs a doctorate from Mysuru University.