Controversy 'unveiled'

While the officials wanted the statue to be inaugurated in a grand manner on October 2 observed as Gandhi Jayanthi, the Mayor was adamant and wanted to unveil it on August 15.

Purushottam himself untied the cloth draped over the statue from the past six months. He also dusted and washed it with a few mugs of water. Attired in Mayor’s gown he garlanded the statue of  the Father of the Nation.

Deputy Mayor Sharadamma and prominent councillors from Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) parties were witness to this event.

Following media reports over the delay in unveiling the statue, a meeting was convened by the Mayor attended by the officials concerned. The meeting decided to unveil the statue either on August 8 or 15. However, on Friday the officials urged the Mayor to postpone the event to October 2. He announced that he will do the honours according to the decision. He also announced the boycott of I-Day celebrations organised by the district administration at Chamundi Vihar stadium.

District-In-Charge Minister Shobha Karandlaje is also peeved at the Mayor’s act. She termed it as a hasty decision on part of the Mayor.