A BJP MLA has recently leveled allegations against the Mysore Municipal Corporation, asserting that the corporation has failed to compensate Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj for his craftsmanship in sculpting a statue portraying a monarch from the Wodeyar dynasty.
Expressing his discontent via a post on the microblogging platform X, BJP MLA Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) conveyed in Kannada, "The sculpture of Shri Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar was sculpted by Arun Yogiraj in 2016. Even though it has been eight years, it is disheartening to note that the Mysore Municipal Corporation has not fulfilled its payment obligations to him. This not only undermines the dignity of the sculptor but also dishonors the memory of the illustrious king from the Yaduvamsa lineage who illuminated Mysore."
Yatnal further asserted that an outstanding amount of Rs 12 lakh remains unsettled with the Mysore Municipal Corporation, underscoring the seriousness of the matter. To substantiate his claims, he shared a local newspaper article amplifying the issue.
Responding to these accusations, officials from the Mysore Corporation stated that they are unaware of any pending payments to Yogiraj and emphasized the need to review official records before providing a comprehensive response to the assertions made by the BJP MLA.
It is worth noting that Arun Yogiraj garnered widespread attention in the media when an idol of Ram Lalla, meticulously crafted by him, was selected for installation in the inner sanctum of the newly constructed Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, adding another accolade to his distinguished career as a sculptor based in Mysuru.
