‘Political publicity stunt’

KEA Chairman Ayub Khan rejects MLC Raghu’s corruption charge

Mysuru: Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) Chairman Ayub Khan has strongly refuted the corruption allegations levelled by BJP MLC and former KEA Chairman R. Raghu Kautilya over development works at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds, terming them a “politically motivated publicity stunt.”

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, Khan alleged that the MLC was attempting to tarnish his reputation ahead of Dasara. He said that Raghu had conducted an unscheduled inspection of the Exhibition Grounds yesterday while he was attending a Government programme in Mangaluru.

Raghu Kautilya had questioned the expenditure on the ‘A’ Block and the musical fountain, besides alleging that crores of rupees were being spent without any visible development.

Responding to the allegations, Khan said the development works had resulted in a significant increase in footfall and revenue at the Exhibition Grounds.

Increase in footfall, revenue

“When I took charge in 2024, the annual footfall was around 8 to 8.5 lakh. It has now increased to nearly 16 to 18 lakh. We have increased the revenue by Rs. 3  crore to Rs. 3.5 crore,” he said.

On the musical fountain, Khan said the 500-ft-long and 34-ft-wide structure had cost around Rs. 8 crore, excluding GST, with the overall cost estimated at Rs. 9 crore. He compared it with the fountain at the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam, which, he said, measures 30 ft by 30 ft and cost Rs. 2.20 crore.

“The Exhibition Grounds fountain is many times larger and offers greater value for the money spent,” he said.

No change in names, no dilution of culture

Khan also emphasised that no existing names of historical figures, literary icons or old structures had been removed or replaced. He challenged critics to inspect the premises, saying all the original signboards remain intact.

He said the new ‘A’ Block complex was constructed on newly-developed land that had no prior connection to Dr. Rajkumar Road or any other named street. The entire complex was named ‘Siddaramaiah Angala’, without changing any existing road names, as there was no formal record linking the location to any earlier street name.

The newly created dragon pond was named ‘Rajiv Gandhi Dragon Pond’ and was built entirely on previously unallocated land, he said.

Responding to claims that Karnataka’s culture had been diluted, Khan said the newly constructed ‘A’ Block was modelled on the traditional Belur-Halebeedu architectural style. The complex also incorporates traditional symbols, including Nandi and distinct Hoysala-style architecture of Belur-Halebid, showcasing Karnataka’s cultural heritage.

Khan said the Authority had never compromised and would never compromise, the State’s cultural or artistic identity.

Political motive alleged

Khan also alleged that criticism of the KEA intensified whenever Dasara approached. He referred to earlier criticism over the removal of names of literary figures and allegations that the Exhibition Grounds had been “Islamised”, saying both issues had subsequently been proved otherwise.

“Every year, just before Dasara, a new issue is raised as I am from the minority community. This year too, the same thing is happening,” he alleged.

Asked whether Raghu Kautilya was attempting to project himself as the face of BJP in Mysuru, he said it could be an attempt to establish himself as a prominent party leader in city.

He added that he was prepared to answer any questions on the projects with records and urged Raghu Kautilya to obtain the relevant details from him   before making allegations.

It has been more than a year or a year-and-a-half, since the development works began. What was Raghu Kautilya doing till now? People of Mysuru and the State have seen what we have done and have appreciated it. Perhaps, in my opinion, now that he has become an MLC, he is making such statements to show himself to the people of Mysuru and gain publicity and visibility, attempting to project himself as the face of the BJP in Mysuru. Raghu was also the KEA Chairman. What was the situation during his tenure, how many people used to visit? What revenue was being generated then and what is it now?

—Ayub Khan, Chairman, Karnataka Exhibition Authority