Bengaluru: First, Balabrooie. Now Carlton House. The state’s legislators have hit a stumbling block in their quest to acquire yet another heritage building for a legislator’s club. This time, it’s the state’s Additional Chief Secretary, Lata Krishna Rau, who raised objections to the push from the executive committee led by the Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa on converting Carlton House into a legislator’s retreat, a Constitution Club.
The 135 year old house was identified by the CM last year for a chief minister’s residence. That plan was scuttled after a public outcry. Similarly, Balabrooie, set to be demolished to make way for a club for legislators was also shelved after conservationists stepped up their protests. Home Minister G. Parameshwar has written to the CM that the CID should not be moved out of Carlton House for security reasons.
On Monday, Ms Rau ruled out Carlton House - where the CID is currently housed - and instead suggested a building next door that houses the Scouts and Guides. Upset with Ms Rau’s “high-handedness,” the Speaker will now approach the CM. Time for a Heritage Act?
