Congress objects to lotus-shaped Shivamogga airport; Eshwarappa reacts

Team Udayavani, Jun 24, 2021, 2:15 PM IST

Bengaluru: A major political row has erupted over the construction of the Shivamogga airport terminal in Karnataka.  Congress has objected to the lotus-shaped design of the terminal and pointed out that the lotus is the election symbol of the ruling BJP in Karnataka.

Karnataka Congress leader Brijesh Kalappa has demanded that the state government immediately change the architectural blueprint of the Shimoga airport, which is proposed to be built in the shape of a lotus.

He said a political party cannot make use of public money for publicizing its symbol. The Congress leader asked the Election Commission to take note of the matter.

However,BJP was quick to defend its decision. It said lotus was a national flower and had nothing to do with the BJP’s election symbol.

Speaking to the reporters, Rural Development Minister, K S Eshwarappa said, ” The lotus has nothing to do with the BJP’s election symbol. It is the symbol of Mahalakshmi. Congress party knows nothing but to criticize each and every developmental work. The only aim of this project is to build an airport in Shivamogga as it has been a long-standing demand of the people.”

“Congress criticizes everything, they even criticized the vaccine and ration. Does BJP own the lotus symbol? Let the Congress leaders ask their family members whether they do not use lotus for conducting God’s rituals. What about the lotus mahal built by them in Delhi? Will they demolish that too? It is not right to criticize everything,” he added