Deliberate snub by powerful Reddy brothers of Bellary, say those in the know

Vijayanagar royals' descendant unaware of Hampi fest schedule

Deliberate snub by powerful Reddy brothers of Bellary, say those in the knowu00a0

The government is gearing up to celebrate 500 years of Krishnadevaraya's coronation, but the current heir of the erstwhile Vijayanagar Empire is allegedly clueless about the festival. The heir, who is also named Krishnadevaraya and is the son of Raja Achyutadevaraya, was allegedly ignored by the brothers Janardhana and Karunakaran Reddy, who have a key role in organising the grand event, said sources.

Tourism minister Janardhana Reddy has marked eight venues for the mega celebrations, set plans to accommodate over 2 lakh visitors everyday and short listed events.

However, Krishnadevaraya said, "I'm in one of committees, but I'm not aware of the arrangements. A meeting has been scheduled for January 8 and I will be able to comment on the arrangements only after that."

Tourism Minister Janardhana Reddy addresses a gathering on the preparations to mark 500 years of Krishnadevraya's coronation

"The tradition is to actively involve the royal family, but the king is not actively involved. It's sad that the royal family has been left aside," said a source in Hampi.

Sources said the snub was in response to Krishnadevaraya's plea to RSS leaders last year to keep Reddy brothers away from the festival.

The king had allegedly made this plea as he feared that the Reddy brothers would hog the limelight during the festival. Save Hampi activists said that it was this plea that has caused the family such humiliation.

Said one Save Hampi activist, "He will come and take part if they invite him. They are not bothered to call him and he has kept himself away, which is sad."

Janardhan Reddy was not available for comment.

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