Mysuru: At last, BJP MP Pratap Simha has had the last laugh. The controversial mosque-like domes at a bus stop in the city have disappeared. And, all credit goes to him.
It all began while addressing an event in Mysuru some days back. During the speech he raised objections to the controversial structures. Subsequently, he gave a clarion call to Karnataka authorities to remove them within four days. In case they don’t remove these mosque like structures, he would himself use a JCB and bring them down.
The statement generated a lot of political heat with Congress leaders especially former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah condemning it.
Sticking to his guns, Simha wrote a letter to authorities concerned to remove the mosque-like structures from the bus stop.
NHAI took cognisance of the simmering issue. It shot off a notice to the Mysuru City Corporation to remove the mosque like structures. NHAI said that those who erected them intended to create controversy. It gave the Mysuru Corporation and Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) a week’s time.
The NHAI had sent the notice on November 15, 2022. Today, there are no mosque like bus shelters at the site. This has made Pratap Simha a happy man. “Thanks to the District Collector who asked for time and kept his word and to Ramdas ji, who understood the reality and bowed to the referendum,” he tweeted.
Simha dug in his heels
BJP MLA from Krishnaraja constituency Ramdass said, giving a communal colour to the bus stop has hurt him, but removed two small domes and retained the big one, after consulting seniors.
“The bus stop should not be in controversy. I constructed 12 bus stops across Mysuru as a model palace. People should not perceive it otherwise. We took the decision in the interest of development,” he said.
Ramsass’ statement is in contrast to his earlier statement. He had said that the domes were modelled on Mysuru Palace and made to uphold the heritage of Mysuru city.
He had also scotched rumours on social media that a Muslim architect had built the domes.
Local Congress MLA Tanveer Sait was opposing Pratap Simha. He had said that Simha is politicising the issue. He had challenged that he will ensure that no one removes the domes.