Forum dumped to please BJP

 
In keeping with its 14-year-old tradition, Avishkara, a progressive cultural forum, had sought permission to utilise the grounds for three days from January 29.

However, on Wednesday, the BBMP sent a letter to the forum stating that the permission has been withdrawn as the BJP has organised a function to enable state party president to take over the charge on January 30.

The letter said in that programme Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, BJP President Nitin Gadkari and many ministers and leaders are scheduled to participate.

The BBMP has offered three other venues for the forum to hold its event, in which 11 prominent troupes have confirmed their participation.

S N Swamy, the state committee member of Avishkara, said, “This act of the BBMP is an insult to the artistes of the State. As Avishkara is dedicating Beedhi Natakotsava to the flood-affected people, the BBMP and the BJP should have taken this into consideration," said Swamy.