One Road, Two Inaugurations in 24 Hours: Sullia Temple Project Sparks Political Row

A new road in Sullia, built with public funds, sparked a political controversy after being inaugurated twice on consecutive days. The local MLA conducted the first ceremony, followed by a separate inauguration the next day led by the temple management committee and attended by Congress leaders.

A newly constructed road leading to the Kayarthodi Sri Mahavishnu Temple in Sullia has triggered a political controversy after it was inaugurated twice on consecutive days by different groups.

Road Built With Public Funds

The concrete road was developed using a Rs 20 lakh grant sanctioned for the Sullia Assembly constituency during Siddaramaiah's tenure as Chief Minister, based on the recommendation of MLA Bhagirathi Murulya. An additional Rs 4 lakh was contributed through the local Nagar Panchayat member's fund, taking the total project cost to Rs 24 lakh.

Confusion Over Inauguration Date

The controversy began after two separate inauguration ceremonies were held. According to the original plan, the road was to be inaugurated on June 15, 2026, at 10:30 AM in the presence of MLA Bhagirathi Murulya, and invitations had already been distributed accordingly.

However, on June 14, a message circulated in the temple's WhatsApp group stating that the MLA had an urgent engagement and that the inauguration had been rescheduled to Sunday evening. Soon after, temple management committee president M. Venkappa Gowda clarified that the June 15 programme would proceed as originally planned.

MLA Holds First Inauguration

On Sunday evening, MLA Bhagirathi Murulya inaugurated the road and said she would continue working towards the overall development of the Sullia constituency. The event was attended by BJP leaders, former public representatives, temple committee members, land donors, and local residents.

Temple Committee Organises Second Ceremony

The following morning, M. Venkappa Gowda led another inauguration ceremony attended by local officials, Congress leaders, community representatives, and members of various committees.

Explaining the project's funding, Venkappa Gowda said, "When Siddaramaiah was CM, a Rs 25 crore grant was released on the recommendation of our MLA Bhagirathi. This road was built using Rs 20 lakh from that fund and Rs 4 lakh from the local ward member's panchayat fund, totalling Rs 24 lakh."

He also highlighted the contribution of local residents and the relocation of an electric pole without incurring additional expenses. Referring to the controversy, he remarked, "There should be competition in development, not in holding functions."

Political Blame Game Intensifies

District Guarantee Implementation Committee President Bharath Mundodi questioned the reason behind the earlier inauguration. "The temple committee president had fixed today's date after speaking with the MLA. We don't know why the MLA inaugurated it yesterday evening itself. It's unfortunate that politics is being brought into a temple-related event," he said.

The unusual episode has now become a talking point in the region, with political observers describing it as a rare case of a public infrastructure project being inaugurated twice within 24 hours.