Mysuru: It is barely 24 hours for the 83rd All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelana to begin in the cultural capital of the State. As always, last minute preparations are going on, which is irking the sentiments of the public who otherwise are taking great pride in the Sammelana being held in the city.

The most galling aspect is the works on widening the roads and tarring is happening simultaneously. The roads connecting the main venue of the Sammelana, the Maharaja’s College Grounds, is seen with road rollers and JCBs, which is always a sore sight, especially when it creates last minute confusion.

The road widening and storm water drain work from Hunsur Road to Maharaja’s College Grounds began very recently. Trees are being cut but the electric poles are still standing where they are. Hence, it does not make any difference even if the road is widened.

The contractors are doing the works at breakneck speed and one can only wonder about the quality of work that they are able to deliver.

Same old song: The asphalting work is still going on and it looks like only patch up work has been done. It looks like nothing has changed and nothing is learnt. It is the same old tune that Mysureans are used to hear every year when Dasara arrives.

The Chief Minister and the District in-charge Minister keep promising that all the development works will be taken up much before Dasara commences. Sadly, what we see is that invariably, the shoddy works begin after Dasara commences.

After 27 years, the Sahitya Sammelana is being held in the city.  Lakhs of lovers of literature, some from other parts of the country and even from abroad  are participating in the three-day event. It is the District Administration’s responsibility to take care of the guests and provide all basic facilities. The public feel that the way the last minute preparations are going, the Administration has failed.

Added to this from the day Mysuru was announced as the venue for the Sahitya Sammelana, there are discordant voices heard in the literary circles. There are allegations and counter-allegations thrown at each other. One section is demanding the probe into the allegations against the Mysuru District Sahitya Parishat. Many fear that this could be a black mark for the cultural capital.

Flexes mar city skyline: It is perfectly legitimate to showcase the Jnanpith awardees photos in the city’s vantage points. However, like in the political party rallies, it is sad to see flexes showing the photos of office-bearers of Kannada Sahitya Parishat. A litterateur who has been a part of many Sahitya Sammelanas said that instead of the event being a Lit Fest, it is reflecting more of political culture.