MYSURU: More than a decade after its foundation was laid, the construction of Ambedkar Bhavan on Dewan’s Road in Mysuru remains incomplete. We are setting a 15-day deadline for the govt to resume the work and complete the project, Prabhudha Bharatha Bheem Sene President Siddaraju said on Monday.If work does not resume within 15 days, the organisation will launch an indefinite protest in front of Ambedkar Bhavan, he told reporters.Siddaraju called the delay a grave insult to national leader B.R. Ambedkar. Despite Mysuru being home to prominent political leaders such as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and district social welfare minister H.C. Mahadevappa—both vocal proponents of Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals—the continued inaction is unacceptable, he stated.The Bhavan’s construction began in 2012 with an estimated cost of Rs 4.66 crore. Over the years, that figure ballooned to Rs 20.66 crore, with 60% of the work reportedly completed. The remaining tasks, which include parking facilities and interior development, are estimated to require an additional Rs 23 crore. Though the govt approved Rs 23.80 crore, which was also confirmed by Mahadevappa for the second phase, no tangible progress was made.“If there are obstacles in executing the remaining work, the authorities must come forward and explain. But if they continue to remain silent and inactive, we will have no choice but to protest indefinitely,” warned Siddaraju.
