Bengaluru: The historic Kumara Krupa bungalow, home to Mysuru dewan K Seshadri Iyer nearly 140 years ago, is set to become chief minister DK Shivakumar’s official residence-cum-office. Renovation work is currently underway and Shivakumar is expected to move in by Aug.Iyer served as dewan from 1883 to 1901, and left a strong imprint on Bengaluru’s infrastructure development. The bungalow, named after Lord Kumaraswamy, came under govt control in 1918 and has since functioned as a guesthouse and official quarters.Officials say an additional block of 39 rooms was added in 1970 to the original 12 rooms. It is now being strengthened and converted into a combined office and residence. The department of personnel and administrative reforms is overseeing the work.Narendra Kumar, executive engineer, said the renovation will retain the heritage structure. “There are no vastu-related changes nor major alterations,” he said. “The older structure will be retained. An additional room may be added to serve as the CM’s office.”But Bellur Dwarakanath, Shivakumar’s astrologer, said: “Once the Vastu is completed, we will see about astrological considerations.”Current occupants, including deputy speaker Rudrappa Lamani, are being shifted as part of the process. Lamani will be accommodated in a newly built suite. Documents related to the alleged Covid scam, presently stored in three rooms, have been moved to Arogya Soudha.Officials said the surrounding greenery will be untouched. “The CM has ordered that no trees should be cut on the premises,” Kumar said.Opposition JD(S) criticised the move, accusing the govt of altering a heritage structure. It said in a post on X: “When residences such as Kaveri and Anugraha already exist, this attempt to tamper with history is not just arrogance but the height of folly.”It added, “Kumarakrupa, where the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, once stayed and which stands as a reminder of Dewan K Seshadri Iyer’s legacy, is being converted into a home office merely to satisfy a personal preference. This is nothing short of a betrayal of history. Kumarakrupa is not anyone’s private property; it is a historical landmark. It is ironic that those entrusted with protecting heritage structures are now responsible for their destruction (sic).”
