BENGALURU: Former chief minister Siddaramaiah has fired a fresh salvo — this time in the form of a letter opposing Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s decision to shift the proposed ‘Film City’ from Mysuru to the latter’s home constituency, Ramanagara. Siddaramaiah, who is Chairman of the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) coalition coordination committee, has so far written four letters to Mr Kumaraswamy on a host of issues, including one to reconsider the budget announcement to increase fuel prices.
In Monday’s letter, Siddaramaiah asked the Chief Minister to reconsider the announcement to shift the ‘Film City’ to Ramanagara, and take steps to set it up in Mysuru. Pointing out that it has been the dream and demand of the Kannada film industry for a ‘Film City’ to be set up in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah said the city of palaces was the most sought after destination of film producers not only of Kannada film industry, but also Bollywood, Tamil, and Telugu film industries. Since 1945,film shooting had been taking place in Mysuru, he noted as he recalled contributions of studios like 'Navajyoti' and 'Premier', which produced talented actors and technicians, Siddaramaiah said.
“Kannada thespian late Dr Rajkumar had dreamed about the film city in Mysuru, realising which the previous Congress government decided to set up a film city in the city and approved hundred acres of land for this purpose. An official announcement was also made in the budget," the former chief minister remarked in his letter, adding, “But you have announced in the budget to shift the film city to Ramanagara. Considering all these factors, I request you to reconsider this decision and take necessary steps to set up the film city in Mysuru." Meanwhile, not wishing to comment, water resources minister D K Shivakumar said, “What had to be passed in the budget has been passed. It is out of my purview to comment.” When it was pointed out he was Ramanagara district in-charge minister, he said, “I'm minister for the entire state. I don't want to comment or talk about it.”
