Mysuru Dasara attracted more tourists this year, says CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (PTI): The iconic Mysuru Dasara has successfully attracted more tourists this year, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Thursday, and noted that with people's blessings, this year marked the eighth time he was participating in the celebrations as the CM.
He was speaking after launching the world famous Dasara procession here by offering pooja to the 'Nandi Dhwaja' (Nandi Flag).
"I don't know whether this is a record. This is my second term as the Chief Minister. When I was CM earlier, I have attended Dasara every year, I have attended thrice in my second term. So I think this is my 8th Dasara as CM," Siddaramaiah said in response to a question on him creating a record of sorts by participating in Dasara as CM for the eighth time.
Speaking to reporters here, he said he did not verify if it was a formal record.
"As I have the blessings of the people, I have got the opportunity to celebrate Dasara as CM for eight years. I have accepted it happily," he added.
His remarks come amid speculations about the possibility of change in Chief Minister later this year.
Siddaramaiah had on Wednesday asserted that he will complete five years as CM.
Noting that Dasara is a festival of the people, the CM on Thursday said, "If people are happy and participate in large numbers, we are happy...Mysuru Dasara has attracted more tourists this year, I welcome them."
Thanking international booker prize winner Banu Mushtaq for inaugurating Dasara on September 22, he said, the Dasara was held this year without any incidents, and commended officials, Ministers and MLAs for it.
Noting that the year has brought good rains, leading to full dams and promising crop reports, the CM said in some districts, there were floods leading to crop damage.
"Crops in about 10 lakh hectares have been damaged due to rains and floods so far in the state. I have already announced that the compensation will be provided to affected farmers. From the government and the NDRF funds, compensation of Rs 17,000 per hectare will be provided for dry land, Rs 25,500 per hectare for irrigated land, Rs 31,000 per hectare for perennial crops," he said.
Siddaramaiah said the joint survey is not yet completed, because of rains and water-logging in fields. As soon as the joint survey is done, compensation will be provided.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar too greeted the people on the occasion of Vijayadashami and wished for peace and prosperity to the state.
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National Herald case: Shivakumar to seek time next week to appear before Delhi police
New Delhi/Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said he will ask for time from Delhi police to appear before them next week, to provide required information as part of the probe into the National Herald case.
He said he will seek time after the ongoing winter session of Karnataka legislature ends on December 19. He will also ask the Delhi police to provide him the FIR copy.
Shivakumar, who is in the national capital, had earlier said that he will appear before the Delhi police on Monday. But, he postponed the plan in order to rush back to Karnataka to participate in the last rites of veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, scheduled later in the day in Davangere.
"I had to go (to appear before the Delhi police), but I have to go back urgently. I'm asking them for time, stating that I will come next week," Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi.
"They (Delhi police) have not attached the FIR copy while issuing notice to me. I need FIR copy, because we had already given all the required replies to the ED. I don't know what the FIR says, I only read in papers. They have given notice, I will ask for a FIR copy. I will come next week after the Assembly session."
The Delhi Police had issued a notice to Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress chief, seeking financial and transactional details as part of its probe into the National Herald case.
The notice issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) states that Shivakumar is "supposed to be having vital information" pertaining to the National Herald case registered on October 3 this year, against top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
In the notice dated November 29, the EOW had asked Shivakumar to appear before it or provide the requested information by December 19 latest.
Investigators have sought details about his personal background, his association with the Congress party, and a complete break up of funds allegedly transferred by him or associated entities to Young Indian.
To a question on meeting AICC General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, amid the ongoing power tussle between him and CM Siddaramaiah over the Chief Minister post, Shivakumar said when he comes to Delhi, he usually meets every one.
"Whether it is Surjewala or Kharge (AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge) or Venugopal, I will meet everyone. During lunch yesterday I met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. I have met everyone. What's wrong?" he asked.
Shivakumar was in Delhi to take part in Congress' "Vote Chori" rally on Sunday, and had also participated in the lunch organised by the party for its leaders.
Responding to a question, whether any meeting is planned with leaders today, the Deputy CM said, he and Kharge will be travelling together to Karnataka, to pay last respects to Shamanuru Shivashankarappa.
Asked if he will seek time for a separate meeting with Congress leadership including Rahul Gandhi, during the next visit to Delhi, Sivakumar said, "such things will be there between us in the party.... you don't worry."
