Former Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Revanna has alleged irregularities in the tender process for various works related to the Hasanamba Jatra Mahotsava.

Addressing a press conference in Hassan on Wednesday, Mr. Revanna said that although the State was reeling under a severe drought, the district administration had chosen to incur huge unnecessary expenditure on the festival. He alleged that the same person had been bagging the tenders every year and that efforts were being made to prevent others from participating in the process.

He maintained that the festival should be an occasion to express devotion, not to exhibit grandeur. The administration should maintain transparency in the tender process, he said.

Among the expenses listed by the district administration, the welcoming arches at different locations in the city alone are estimated to cost ₹35 lakh, while ₹98 lakh has been estimated for lighting arrangements and ₹30 lakh has been earmarked for cultural programmes. The publicity flexes alone will cost ₹8 lakh. “There are many such exorbitant expenses listed by the administration,” he alleged.