BBMP blunders, Kempegowda holds sword in left hand

Bengaluru: Every ceremony at the BBMP begins with the garlanding of the Kempegowda statue opposite BBMP head office at Corporation Circle. But the BBMP, which worships B’luru founder Kempegowda, has committed a blunder while printing his photo in its budget estimates book.  The Palike budget was presented by Mr Mahadev, Chairman, Standing Committee of Taxation and Finance, on Wednesday and in the budget estimates book, Kempegowda is seen holding the sword in his left hand, while it should have been in his right hand. 

Historian Suresh Moona said, "We talk a lot about Kempegowda, but we hardly know his significance and what a great visionary he was. Like Mahatma Gandhi, who is the Rashtra Pitah, Kempegowda is the Nagara Pitah. It is sad that he has been reduced to a nominal figure. Only if we spread his message in schools, colleges and government offices will people know his contribution." 

Mayor Sampath Raj apologised for the blunder and said it was not done deliberately or to show disrespect to the great leader. "JD(S) corporator Mahadev presented the budget. He should have been careful while getting the budget estimates books printed.”