Mysuru: Karnataka Exhibition Authority chairperson Ayub Khan on Saturday hit back at the criticism of MLC R Raghu over development works at Dasara Exhibition Grounds, stating that commenting on projects after watching them for only a few minutes is inappropriate.Addressing reporters, Khan said the exhibition normally continues for three to three-and-a-half months, and that visitor footfall had increased significantly in recent years. Before he assumed office, the exhibition attracted around eight to 8.5 lakh visitors and the tender value was about Rs 9 crore. Last year, the footfall increased to nearly 16 lakh, while the tender value rose to Rs 12.5 crore, he said.Clarifying the funding, Khan said govt had sanctioned three project — a wrestling arena, a Belur-Halebidu replica, and a musical fountain. Of the total estimated cost of Rs 20 crore, Rs 10 crore had been released so far, he said, rejecting claims that Rs 30-40 crore had been sanctioned.On criticism of the musical fountain, Khan urged critics to study the project documents and witness its functioning before commenting. He said the fountain was nine times larger than the one at KRS. Regarding the tender being awarded to a Mumbai-based entity, he said the discussion should be based on official documents and facts rather than assumptions.
