# Karnataka plans ‘Mantapa’ modelled on Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam

2026-09-27T20:46:55+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday said the state government is considering constructing a 'Karnataka Mantapa' near a metro station, modelled after Delhi's Bharat Mandapam, to promote tourism. The proposed sites include Jakkur, Mysuru Lamps or NGEF, the CM said while inaugurating the first Karnataka Tourism Awards at Palace Grounds on World Tourism Day. The Tourism Awards, organised by the Department of Tourism and Karnataka Tourism Society, recognised winners under 35 categories including best business hotel, eco-friendly resort and rural tourism project. Minister for Energy and Tourism K.J. George urged the use of AI and digital technology to make tourism more inclusive and sustainable, adding that the department is developing technology-driven solutions. The CM also announced the approval of the Coastal Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy-2026, granting industry and infrastructure status to tourism projects, and said the government would seek the Centre's support on Coastal Regulation Zone issues. A meeting with the Karnataka State Cricket Association is scheduled next week to discuss a convention centre in Bengaluru.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

All three sources cover the same events with near-identical factual reporting, no discernible slant. The Hindu leads with the Karnataka Mantapa announcement and CM Shivakumar's quotes, the Hindustan Times includes more policy details like the coastal tourism policy and convention centre plans, and the Deccan Herald foregrounds Minister George's AI focus and a longer list of award winners. No source omits or reframes facts to favour or oppose the government. The balanced reading is that Karnataka's tourism push has multiple dimensions: a new exhibition space, a coastal policy, and a digital upgrade, all announced at the same event. The practical test is whether the Mantapa site is finalised and the coastal policy's CRZ issues get Central clearance.

## Coverage

- thehindu.com (neutral report) <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/govt-to-build-karnataka-mantapa-modeled-after-bharat-mandapam-cm-shivakumar/article71516720.ece>
  Leads with CM's Mantapa announcement, includes minister's AI remarks and award details, no slant
- hindustantimes.com (neutral report) <https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bengaluru-news/state-government-considering-karnataka-mandapam-on-lines-of-bharat-mandapam-cm-shivakumar-101790533985554.html>
  Straight wire copy, covers Mantapa, coastal policy, convention centre and sky deck proposals
- deccanherald.com (neutral report) <https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/use-ai-digital-tech-to-make-tourism-more-inclusive-minister-k-j-george-4161966>
  Foregrounds Minister George's AI push, lists award winners, no slant detected

Tags: Bengaluru, Bharat Mandapam, D K Shivakumar, Karnataka, tourism
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