Mysuru: Where were I-T officials when BJP leader and former minister Janardhan Reddy spent crores of rupees on his daughter’s wedding, said senior Congress leader and former minister H Vishwanath.

Speaking after inaugurating the 49th cattle fair organised as part of annual Suttur Jathra Mahothsava at Suttur here on Thursday he said, “Really, the lavish wedding of his daughter conducted by Janardhan Reddy spending crores of rupees is a shameful instance. Surprisingly, many politicians including the ministers and bureaucrats attended the marriage. When crores of rupees were being openly spent on a wedding, where were these I-T officials? What are they doing? I think some of them even might have attended the marriage.”

“Suttur Seer is doing a commendable job by conducting mass marriages for the past many years. Such mass marriages really have meaning. My children entered wedlock in a mass marriage. One of them entered into an inter caste marriage. There is lot to learn from this Jathra but unfortunately people are not learning. On this occasion, I also request Deshikendra Swamiji to create awareness among people about the importance of voting. If Swamiji comes out with this message, people will definitely take it seriously”, added Vishwanath.

Former deputy chief minister R Ashok who also spoke on the occasion called upon the government to support the matt and Jathra by providing financial assistance which was earlier taken up by former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa. He also mentioned that before banning any event including traditional Jallikattu or Kambala, the experts should think twice about their background. “I was a Kabbadi player and got fractured 10 to 12 times and got admitted in hospital five to six times. Because of this we can’t ban Kabbadi. It’s the same with Jallikattu or Kambala. If someone filed a case due to a tragedy involved in the above said events, it’s not fair to ban the sport. We should understand the sentiments and feelings of the people and history behind such sports which was introduced by our ancestors.” He also mentioned that Suttur Jathra was not just a fair but a treasure of knowledge for people visiting it.

Earlier in the day, thousands of people took part in the Rathotsava which was held as a part of annual Suttur Jathra Mahothsava. Hundreds of people took part in the kite festival which was organised by the committee.