A fresh controversy has emerged in Karnataka following a public notice, reportedly issued by the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), inviting objections regarding the proposed construction of a dargah at Gaadi Chowka on Madhwachar Road. The notification, dated 8 September 2025, has stirred political tensions, as it appears to contradict a 2009 Karnataka government directive that prohibits the construction of any new religious structures.
Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa has accused the MCC Commissioner of acting in haste by publishing a public notice aimed at facilitating the construction of the dargah, located near the 101 Ganapathy Temple in Agrahara. He claimed the decision was taken without consulting local representatives and violated standard procedures.
Speaking to the press after inspecting the site, Srivatsa was joined by several BJP leaders, including former MLA and city BJP president L. Nagendra, former mayor Shivakumar, former ZAK chairman Shivakumar, ex-corporators Sowmya Umesh and M.U. Subbaiah, BJP constituency president Gopalraj Urs, BJP Yuva Morcha city president Rakesh Gowda, and other officials.
“Public Notification Lacked Transparency,” Alleges MLA
Srivatsa criticized the MCC for issuing the notification without adequate public visibility. He pointed out that no signboard was displayed at the site to inform the public, which is a required step under normal procedure. Instead, the notification was published discreetly in a local newspaper, possibly to avoid attention during the ongoing Dasara festival preparations.
He also alleged that the MCC had issued a khata (property document) for the site, despite it remaining vacant for six decades.
Disputed Land and Gazette Records
Referring to land records, Srivatsa noted that a 1965 government gazette lists approximately 1.5 acres (around 4,500 sq ft) as Waqf property, attributed to a person named Mohammed Ghouse from Mohammedvadi Road in K.R. Mohalla. However, Srivatsa argued that there is no official record or geographic identification of “Mohammedvadi Road” or even “Madhwachar Road” in the gazette, raising questions about the legitimacy of the claim.
He further alleged that construction activities began on 15 March 2025, without obtaining the necessary approvals from the MCC. After complaints were lodged with both the Corporation and local police, the process of issuing the khata was allegedly expedited.
Discrepancies in Revenue Records
Srivatsa also flagged discrepancies in the land’s revenue records. Although the site covers 4,500 square feet, revenue was reportedly calculated for only 700 square feet. He recalled a 2002 civil case where an individual claimed ownership of the land, but the court had declared it as Waqf property. The High Court later upheld this verdict, although a title suit is currently pending. It remains unclear whether the case is now before a division bench of the High Court or has reached the Supreme Court.
Amidst the growing controversy, the secretary of the institution behind the dargah construction has reportedly filed a case against MCC officials in a city court. The matter is expected to be heard on 20 September.
MLA Srivatsa concluded by stating that the manner in which the MCC Commissioner handled the issue has created public distrust and raised serious concerns over procedural fairness and transparency.
(With Inputs From State Of Mysore)
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