Mysuru, 1 October (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday expressed confidence that he would continue to pay floral tribute to Goddess Chamundeshwari during Dussehra in the coming years.
His statement assumes the importance against the background of statements by Congress leaders and a section of BJP that Deputy CM and State Congress President DK Shivkumar will become CM in November.
Speaking to the media at Mysuru Airport, Siddaramaiah asked about the prediction of the opposition that he would not offer floral tributes during Dussehra, take a pinch: “Opposition parties are not a Fortune-Teller. Their predictions are not based on reality.”
“He said that I will not become CM for the second time or will present the budget again. But I became CM for the second time and also presented the budget.”
Recalling the inauguration of Dussehra by Booker Awardee Banu Mushtaq, he said: “The Supreme Court has criticized those who have objected to the selection of a famous personality for the inauguration, especially due to lack of awareness about the Constitution.”
The BJP raised objections about the person inaugurating Dussehra, Siddaramaiah said that Karnataka is a secular state and only people unknown to the constitution raise such objections. “This is why the Supreme Court also criticized such protests,” he said, reiterating that the Dashera Festival should not be politicized.
“This year’s Masuru Dasseshera is expected to participate. Incidents like air shows, Illumination, and Drone Show have gained popularity. Dussehra is a festival where people participate with joy. Since institutions like Chamundeshwari Development Authority and Exhibition Authority are already present, there is no need for a separate fighting authority.”
When asked about the pending dearness allowance payment to government employees, he said that the state government will issue allowance after the central government.
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MKA / VD