Siddaramanahundi: Away from his files and official meetings, CM Siddaramaiah seemed relaxed and happy, mingling with his friends and relatives during the Jaathra Mahotsav of his home diety, Sri Siddarameswara in his village of Siddaramanahundi in Mysuru taluk on Friday. The festival, last held in 2012, was special for the villagers this year as Mr Siddaramaiah was participating in it for the first time as Chief Minister. He too seemed equally happy to be in his hometown for the special occasion and confessed, “I feel the way I used to as a child. I always participate in the jaathra every time it is held,” when asked how it felt to be home.
Mr Siddaramaiah, who arrived in the village at around 9.30pm Thursday, visited the Siddarameswara and Chikkammathaayi temples, and then chit-chatted with villagers at dinner before resting for a while at his newly constructed house.
At 11.15 pm he went to a temple to watch Veeramakkala kunitha where 20 teams performed. He, however, disappointed the villagers by not joining in dancing. “He has never missed dancing before as he has been part of Veeramakkala kunitha since childhood. In fact, he danced so well that he was always rewarded,” said his friend Kempeeraiah.
'Baayi beega'
While the CM is all set to introduce an Anti-Superstition Act over 100 devotees had their cheeks pierced by a rectangular shaped metal string in a ritual called “Baayi beega”, to fulfill a vow during the festival. Asked about it, Mr Siddaramaiah said though the government had not placed any restriction on the practice this year, once the Anti-Superstition Act came into force it would be stopped.
Lobbying begins for cabinet posts
CM Siddaramaiah's plan to reshuffle his ministry soon after completion of three years in office in May has evidently prompted ruling party legislators to pressurize central leaders to ensure an early revamp.
Senior Congress legislators along with Bengaluru Urban District Congress president, S. T. Somashekhar, are likely to meet soon after conclusion of the legislature session in this regard this month end. Speaking to DC, Mr Somashekhar said, “Our aim is not to go against our central leaders or Chief Minister Siddaramaiah but to convey a message that the party should an opportunity for young MLAs to work in the cabinet.” He said several legislators including K. B. Koliwad, Dr A. B. Malaka Reddy and Malikayya Guttedar and himself would meet senior party leaders in this regard soon. “We will demand to withdraw at least 20 ministers and delegate them for party work, and young MLAs who have been working for the last three years in the party must be rewarded by a berth in cabinet," he added.
