Mysuru: District Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah visited Dr. Ambedkar Bhavan on Dewans Road yesterday to review the progress of the ongoing works and directed officials to complete the works at the earliest.

The nearly Rs. 44-crore project has been progressing at a snail’s pace since work began in 2013-14.

Dr. Yathindra took stock of the works and expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress despite the deadline to complete the works expiring on Aug. 15. He directed officials to complete the works within the next two months without compromising on quality.

Congress leader Rakesh Papanna and Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) In-Charge Commissioner B.R. Mahesh were present.

‘Ambedkar insulted’

Former Mayor B. Purushotham criticised successive Governments for their lack of interest in completing Dr. Ambedkar Bhavan. He pointed out that the nearby Viveka Smaraka building was completed and inaugurated within a year.

Taking 14 years to complete Dr. Ambedkar Bhavan is an insult to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Purushotham told Star of Mysore.

“The works began in 2013 after six years of sustained efforts. Since then, there have been six Chief Ministers and six District Ministers, but the building is still incomplete. If the Government says it has no funds, we will collect donations from the public and complete the building. The works must be completed immediately failing which a massive protest will be staged,” he warned.