Mysuru: Former Minister Kote M. Shivanna has urged Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar to reconsider the proposal to rename Bannimantap LIC Circle as Arjuna Elephant Circle, pointing out that the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) had already named it T.N. Narasimhamurthy Circle two decades ago.

In a press release, Shivanna highlighted that the late Narasimhamurthy, a long-time Bannimantap resident, served as a Legislative Council member for nearly 30 years, holding key positions such as Deputy Speaker, Speaker and Opposition Leader.

He made significant contributions to Mysuru and was a close associate of Jayachamaraja Wadiyar. He also played a crucial role in securing Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar’s election as a Member of Parliament.

Additionally, Narasimhamurthy served as the President of the Dalit Student Hostel in N.R. Mohalla, near Bannimantap, for many years, positively impacting the education of thousands of children and improving the lives of many Dalit families.

“The MCC had officially named the Circle after T.N. Narasimhamurthy following due deliberation. It appears the MP may not have been fully informed about this. Due to this lack of information, he has requested that MCC rename the Circle in front of the Bannimantap LIC                                                         office as Arjuna Elephant Circle,” Shivanna stated.

While acknowledging the significance of naming a circle after Arjuna, the iconic Dasara elephant that carried the Golden Howdah for years from the Mysore Palace to Bannimantap, Shivanna emphasised that renaming an already designated T.N. Narasimhamurthy Circle would be inappropriate. He urged the MP to re-evaluate the proposal.