Prasanna, theatreperson and activist, who came to the Vidhana Soudha to invite Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to a programme, armed with an entry pass, had a tough a time gaining entry. He spent more than half a day running from pillar to post to get past the gates.
Mr. Prasanna had come to invite the Chief Minister to an awards presentation ceremony of the Desi Trust, a collective of rural weavers at Heggodu in Shimoga district.
He came equipped with a pass issued by the office of Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa.
However, the security personnel told him that he cannot go in when the Assembly is in session. Mr. Prasanna was told by the police to contact the higher-ups in the Vidhana Soudha. But, he was at a loss to understand how he could bring this to the notice of officials at the reception, without gaining access to the building.
He finally settled on staging a sit-in dharna protesting the adamant attitude of the security and demanded that he be allowed entry. A police constable, who recognised him, told his colleagues that he should not be harassed anymore. Heaving a sigh of relief, Mr. Prasanna went towards the building, but was stopped when another set of policemen barred him. Just as he was getting ready for another dharna, and even as a television channel photographer rushed to shoot the scene, the police allowed him inside.
Explaining his predicament to The Hindu , Mr. Prasanna said many people waiting near the gate were allowed in just by telephonic direction. “I was shocked by the way they treated me. I came here following due procedure. They were not ready to respect the pass issued by the Speaker’s office,” he exclaimed, with frustration.
