A new RTI response has triggered sharp questions over expenditure at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha (SVS) in Belagavi, with activist Bhimappa Gadad demanding full transparency and accountability from the government.
Addressing reporters in Belagavi on Friday, Gadad said the RTI documents reveal “unnecessary and extravagant spending” on furniture and oil portraits at the SVS, cautioning that “if the misuse of public funds continues unchecked, legal action may be unavoidable.”
As per the RTI details:
- ₹42,93,940 was spent on a newly crafted chair and table for the Legislative Assembly Speaker.
- ₹1,98,240 was used for refurbishing the Legislative Council Speaker’s chair, including plywood work, upholstery and cushions.
- ₹67,67,964 went towards creating and installing 11 oil portraits of figures associated with Anubhav Mantap, along with one additional painting, all executed by noted artists.
Gadad highlighted that this recent outlay exceeds the ₹36,60,000 spent on furniture in 2011, ahead of the President’s visit during the SVS inauguration.
He also pointed to inconsistencies in previous approvals. On February 27, 2023, the government cleared ₹13,34,564 for seven portraits (8×5 ft) by reputed state artists. However, a Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad review dated October 25, 2025, reported that several paintings did not resemble the intended personalities. Following this, the government issued a fresh order and released ₹28,49,200 for recreating them.
Further, on February 4, 2025, the government sanctioned ₹25,84,200 for installing the Anubhav Mantap artwork in the first floor’s western wing and for handing over the widely appreciated Mahatma Gandhi portrait.
Gadad said the figures raise pressing questions on fiscal discipline, oversight and transparency in decisions concerning public funds. He asserted that citizens are entitled to clear explanations on whether these expenditures were warranted and served public interest.
