MANDYA: Congress leader and Srirangapatna MLA Ramesh Bandisiddegowda’s mother’s birthday celebration has sparked controversy after artistes of a cultural troupe allegedly used Arakere Government Hospital as a makeup room for female performers recently.The alleged use of a government health facility for a private programme has raised eyebrows and is likely to trigger further backlash.Ramesh’s mother, Vijayalakshmi Bandisiddegowda, a former MLA, celebrated her birthday on Aug 15, at her native Arakere. It was former MLA’s 79th birthdayA group of female artistes who performed in a drama staged as part of the cultural programme allegedly used the hospital premises to get ready.During their stay, they reportedly danced and shot reels, which have since gone viral on social media, drawing criticism.Health department officials said senior officers visited the Arakere Government Hospital and conducted an inquiry. “A report will be submitted to the senior officials in this regard,” they said.Officials added that the artistes had sought permission to use the hospital’s washroom, but the incident has now become a controversy.
