But Bannimantapa, which is the cynosure during the festivities, is mired in controversies. A controversy about the ownership of the historical Dasara Bannimantapa near Kiranguru Circle has erupted.
A resident of Bangalore has raised questions about 12 guntas of land in survey number 194/1, which is neighbouring area of the 24-pillar Bannimantapa built during the reign of the Wadiyars. Sunil, son of Nagaraju, has submitted an application to the tahsildhar claiming that the 12 guntas of land was inherited by his family.
On the other hand, the taluk administration has said that as there were no legal heirs, the Bannimantapa spread over two acres and the surrounding 12 guntas belong to the government. A village accountant has caused embarrassment to the taluk administration as he has accepted revenue tax.
Tahasildhar Arul Kumar said, “The 12 guntas surrounding Dasara Bannimantapa have no
records and belongs to the government.
During this year’s Dasara festival, the jumbo savari would begin from the Bannimantap.”
