The row over multiple domes on a bus stop in Mysuru which had led to a fracas between Pratap Simha, BJP MP, and S.A. Ramdas, party MLA, has subsided for now with the authorities removing two smaller domes flanking the central dome which has been retained.
Mr. Simha had threatened to demolish the domes of the bus shelter opposite the JSS College on the Mysuru—Nanjangud highway on the grounds that “they resembled a mosque” while Mr. Ramdas had reiterated that it was inspired by the Mysuru palace.
The issue even reached Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai who had announced the constitution of an “expert committee” to identify any design flaws. Mr. Ramdas had vowed to pay for the demolition in case there were design flaws.
But it transpired that the smaller domes were removed overnight and Mr. Ramdas issued a statement that he did not want further controversies and nor wanted the bus stop to emerge as a disputed site.
“Though the bus stop design was inspired by the palace it was needlessly given a religious tone and has caused me anguish,” said Mr. Ramdas. The decision to remove them was taken after discussions with seniors and “in the interest of development” and it should not be construed otherwise, he added. Besides 12 bus shelters with similar design are also planned in the Krishanraja constituency, he added.
Mr. Simha took to Twitter to “thank the DC” and Mr. Ramdas for “heeding to public opinion”.
