Mysuru: Pro-Kannada activists and fans of Dr. Rajkumar staged a protest at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds this morning, opposing the replacement of the legendary actor’s earlier bust with a new one, which they alleged looked more like a toy.

BJP MLC R. Raghu Kautilya, who had earlier criticised the Dasara Exhibition authorities over the replacement of the bust, also participated in the protest. He said, KEA Chairman Ayub Khan had earlier stated that the height of Dr. Rajkumar’s bust would be increased and that it would be reinstalled at the same place. “Now, they have replaced the earlier bust with a new one that looks like a toy. We strongly oppose this as we see it as an insult to the great actor. We demand that the old bust of Dr. Rajkumar be brought back and reinstalled at the same place before Sept. 30 or face protests,” he warned.

The MLC clarified that the protest was not against any individual, but was organised by fans and admirers of Dr. Rajkumar to uphold Kannada identity and the dignity of one of its renowned ambassadors, the late actor.

Members of the District Kannada Rakshana Vedike and Dr. Rajkumar fans participated                                 in the protest.