'I Prayed for Karnataka's People' - Yeddyurappa at Dharmasthala
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (PS/SP)
Beltangady, Jun 27: "I prayed to Lord Manjunatha to bless the state and its people with opulence and good luck. I also prayed for strength to lead the state to great heights. I have undertaken this visit as per the advice of religious leaders, elders, and my well-wishers," said chief minister B S Yeddyurappa.
He was speaking to reporters after offering prayers at Dharmasthala's Sri Manjunatha Temple on Monday June 27.
He arrived at the town early in the morning by train, and later left for the Temple by bus accompanied by 30 MLAs and ministers.
The chief minister and his men were welcomed by Harshendra Kumar, brother of Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade.
He offered his prayers in the presence of Dr Veerendra Heggade. Mediapersons were not allowed inside the temple.
Yeddyurappa said that he had not taken any oath and only prayed for the welfare of the state and its people. "I did not pray for myself, but for our state," he said.
"In the last three years the state has seen tremendous development, and the next two years of BJP reign too will be dedicated to development," he said.
Shatarudrabhisheka and special puja were offered to the Lord on behalf of the CM. He expressed happiness that the state is getting good rains.
He refused to comment on Kumaraswamy's visit and the oath-taking drama that preceded his visit.
He was accompanied by ministers V S Acharya, Renukacharya, Halappa, MLA Anand Asnotikar and deputy speaker of state assembly Yogish Bhat among others. On arrival, the CM inspected the guard of honour presented by the police.
The CM's visit was marred by protest by the members of Raita Sangha who shouted slogans against Yeddyurappa. BJP supporters countered them and clashes took place between the two groups. However, the police intervened and resolved the issue.
The devotees were made to wait for one and half hours to offer their darshan to the deity.
The CM's visit lasted for about half an hour. He will leave for Subramanya after lunch at 2 pm.
State JD(S) chief Kumaraswamy is expected to arrive at Dharmasthala any moment and offer his prayers. Later he will address a press conference.
It is learnt that Kumaraswamy has decided to have the darshan of the Lord by standing in the common queue. His plans for holding a mega public meeting at Ujire later in the day have been hit because of heavy rains in the area, and the collapse of a huge pandal set up for the purpose at Ujire.