MYSURU, 13 JUNE  

The BJP’s Krishnaraja MLA TS Srivatsa on Friday opposed the state government's proposal to organise Cauvery Aarathi by spending nearly Rs 100 core in the vicinity of Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam, in lines with Gangarathi.

Speaking to media persons in Mysuru, Srivatsa criticised the State government's move and said its intention is to woo Hindus. He said the Congress wants to lift the party’s sinking image as the Hindu community was upset over its anti-Hindu stance. 

Srivatsa said such events should not be held in the vicinity of the KRS dam, which holds immense historical and ecological significance, as it also threatens century-old heritage structures. 

The century-old dam is surrounded by natural beauty and should not be subjected to commercial or entertainment-oriented projects that could harm its sanctity, Srivatsa said.

"Instead of conducting such an event, the government should provide Rs 1 crore to each Assembly segment to repair roads damaged by rains," said Srivatsa, who also objected to tourism projects in the area.

The MLA also expressed his grief over the massive loss of life in the Air India plane crash.