Mysuru, Nov 27 :The controversial mosque-like domes that had raised a political muck have been removed after NHAI’s notice to the Mysuru city corporation.
On November 15, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) had issued the notice to the civic body for the removal of structures constructed to achieve controversial issues. It had also given a week’s time to the corporation to remove them. The NHAI issued the notice after Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha raised objections to the structures, terming them mosque-like domes at the bus stop. He had also generated a lot of political heat by saying that if the authorities did not remove the structures, he would use the JCB and demolish them himself, and gave them a deadline of four days. The removal of the domes has made Simha happy who thanked the district authority for taking immediate actions. “Thanks to the District Collector who asked for time and kept his word and to Ramdas ji, who understood the reality and bowed to the referendum,” he tweeted.
BJP MLA from Krishnaraja constituency Ramdass said, giving a communal colour to the bus stop has hurt him, but removed two small domes and retained the big one, after consulting seniors.
“The bus stop should not be in controversy. I constructed 12 bus stops across Mysuru as a model palace. People should not perceive it otherwise. The decision was taken in the interest of development,” he said.
In contrast to the latest statement, Ramdass had said the domes were modelled on Mysuru Palace and made to uphold the heritage of Mysuru city.He had also scotched rumours on social media that the domes were built by a Muslim arcitect.
Local Congress MLA Tanveer Sait had flayed politicisation of the issue and commented that he would ensure that the domes are not removed.
