Date:01/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/01/stories/2005120119100400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Parishat general secretary quits

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat General Secretary D. K. Chowta has resigned as the executive committee of the parishat opposed his plan to build a Rangamandira in place of the existing open-air theatre on the land belonging to the organisation in High Grounds.

A press release from some members of the executive committee said the construction of the Rangamandira will mar the ambience of the parishat and create environmental problems. The committee was of the view that the Rangamandira plan and continuance of Mr. Chowta as General Secretary will not be in the interest of the parishat. Mr. Chowta could not digest the committee's unanimous decision and resigned making it a prestige issue.

The committee met on November 25 with parishat president B.L. Shankar in the chair and decided to accept Mr. Chowta's resignation. However, Mr. Shankar is allegedly making efforts to withhold Mr. Chowta's resignation, according to a release. On November 26, M.S. Nanjunda Rao Foundation President Sridevi Rao and the former Vice-President of the parishat Mohan Dev Alva alleged that the basic objectives and guidelines of the parishat had been taken for granted by Governor of Maharashtra S.M. Krishna, who is the president of the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat Trust, the parishat's elected President Mr. Shankar and Mr. Chowta for personal reasons.