Mysuru, May 26 -- Even as controversy brews over the State Government's decision to appoint actress Tamannaah Bhatia - who primarily works in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films - as the Brand Ambassador for the iconic Mysore Sandal Soap, State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra has alleged that a State Minister may be behind the appointment.

Speaking to the press yesterday, Vijayendra said the Government defended the decision by stating that Bhatia's appointment was based on the recommendation of an expert committee. He challenged the Government to reveal the names of the experts who endorsed her selection.

Recalling that the Mysore Sandal Soap factory was established in 1916 by the erstwhile Mysore Maharajas, Vijayendra said the brand is a matt...