FOLKLORE FLAVOUR: `Mukhawada' and `Dollu Kunita' groups taking part in `kala-jatha' at Navraspur Sangeet Mahal at Torvi village near Bijapur on Friday.

BIJAPUR: The three-day Navraspur Utsav had a grand start at the historic Navraspur Sangeet Mahal at Torvi village near here on Friday.

While the tableaux depicting important milestones in the history of the region and replicas of monuments in the "kala-jatha" reminded the past glory of Bijapur, a variety of cultural items added traditional colour to the event.

Folklore troupes had the audience spellbound with their performance.

Bijapur MP and former Union Minister, Basanagouda R. Patil Yatnal, who inaugurated the celebrations, said the Adil Shahi monuments in and around Bijapur, though lying in neglect, have heritage value and tourism potential.

He demanded the early completion of broad gauge line between Bijapur and Gadag and the commissioning of an airport in Bijapur.

No representation

He said the district has no representation in the State Cabinet. He has taken up the issue with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership.

Mr. Yatnal said: "I will not participate in any function that will be attended by Ministers till Bijapur district gets a Cabinet berth.

"I am boycotting the function on the Gol Gumbaz premises in which some Ministers are expected to participate".

He called upon the public representatives to rise above party lines and speak in single voice on development issues.

MLA's plea

M.B. Patil, Tikota MLA, who presided over the function, urged the Government to ask the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation to start a service covering tourist spots in Bijapur district.

Administration praised

While lauding the district administration for organising the utsav, Mr. Patil said it would have been better if more cultural events were held at Navraspur Sangeet Mahal.

President of Navraspur Utsav Samiti and Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Mohsin, hoped the utsav will help popularise heritage sites in and around Bijapur.

Bijapur Zilla Panchayat President Arjun Rathod, Bijapur City Municipal Council President Abdul Razak Loni, zilla panchayat Chief Executive Officer Rajiv Ranjan, and Superintendent of Police Seemant Kumar Singh were present.

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