Ballari: Hampi Utsav limited to local artistes?

Ballari: The state government , which has given in to pressure and  agreed to hold the Hampi Utsav despite the drought, could organise it in January, according to official sources.

"Unlike  the previous utsavs, it will be a one or two day cultural event of local artistes and not the usual three-day extravaganza," they explained.

The cancellation of the Hampi Utsav had acquired political colour with the BJP lambasting the government's decision and offering to raise funds from the public to host a parallel festival.

However, describing the BJP's threat to collect money from the public  as "exploitation," Water Resources Minister, D.K. Shivakumar  said the utsav was cancelled because officials felt it could hamper relief work with all six taluks in the district being declared drought-hit. "The BJP can give suggestions or use money from its MP/MLA funds for the festival, but it cannot exploit the people," he added.

Denying that the government was succumbing to the party's pressure in deciding to hold the festival after all, he said, "Our MPs and leaders like MP Prakash have called for organising the festival. But we are suddenly seeing BJP MLA, Somshekar Reddy take credit for it."

Mr. Shivakumar, who is also in-charge of Ballari district, added the government would discuss the issue with the officials concerned before taking a final call.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy  said, the earlier decision to defer the Utsav was reached at the level of the district in-charge ministers and MLAs after discussion, in the backdrop of the drought situation. "... if people want Hampi Utsav, I will give directions that it be organised in a simple way," he added.

Members from various fields, including artistes and politicians, have been mounting pressure on the government for organising Hampi Utsav, while questioning it over holding Mysuru Dasara and Tipu Sultan Jayanti, despite the drought situation looming large in the state.

Recently BJP MLA and brother of mining baron G Janardhan Reddy — G Somashekar Reddy had said he along with his party workers would also carry out a drive to raise funds fromthe public if the government says it lacks funds. Hitting back, Mr Kumaraswamy said his government was not "wretched". "... I know how they (Reddy brothers) have robbed Ballari," he added.

The Hampi Utsav is organised to showcase the rich cultural heritage and monuments of the erstwhile Vijayanagara empire in all its glory.

It also includes programmes like music, dance, puppetry and fireworks among others.

The state government had earlier notified 100 taluks of 24 districts as drought-affected.