Mysuru: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale inaugurated the ‘Shilpa Samagama Mela’ at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds yesterday evening.

The fair showcases handicrafts and artisan products from across the country and will be held till Oct. 19 from 3 pm to 10 pm. After the inauguration, Athawale visited the stalls and interacted with participating artisans.

The fair is organised in collaboration with the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC), highlighting the country’s diverse craft traditions.

Athawale said the “Bharat Tulip Heritage” pavilion was a special attraction, offering high-quality products. He said proceeds from sales would be transferred directly to the artisans’ bank accounts to ensure transparency and fair payment.

He added that all participating artisans had been provided free stalls, along with travel allowances, daily expenses, transport and meals. These facilities, he said, were aimed at supporting artisans and giving them an opportunity to showcase their skills on a national platform.

Earlier, addressing a press conference at the Government Guest House in Nazarbad, Athawale rejected Opposition allegations of ‘vote theft’, calling them baseless.

“If EVMs were misused, would Congress have formed governments in Karnataka and Kerala?” he asked, accusing Opposition parties of making such allegations after losing the confidence of voters. “Every citizen has the right to protest, but no one should cause inconvenience to others,” he said.

Responding to AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks, he rejected allegations of an “emergency” under the Modi government, saying the Emergency in India had been imposed by Congress Govt. led by Indira Gandhi.

He added that the Supreme Court was already hearing the ‘vote theft’ case and questioned the demand for the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation. Department officials R.P. Satish, Yesudas and Darshan were present at the press conference.