Grieving Siddaramaiah thanks people for showing solidarity

Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Aug 3: In a statement released on the night of Tuesday August 2, chief minister, Siddaramaiah, remarked, "I pray that no parent comes across the situation I am facing, in which grown up children breath their last in front of the eyes of their parents."

Adding further, he said that the sudden ill health and death of his elder son, Rakesh, has pushed him and his family into an abyss of grief. "Rakesh has left his family members and lacs of his well-wishers. Our family might need a long time to recover out of this shock. Personally I find it hard to bear this parting," he stated.

"When Rakesh was undergoing treatment at Belgium, people from the state, transcending differences of castes, religions, parties, sects etc unitedly wished him well. A youth from Bengaluru, Vijendra, settled in Belgium, and his wife, voluntarily visited us at the hospital and brought home made food every day. This gesture filled our hearts. I cannot also forget the sight of the sea of humanity which had gathered for the funeral of my son. Humanity personified itself in the form of that crowd in front of my eyes. I am ever grateful for the love and affection showered by people on me and my family. I am also indebted to dignitaries who pledged solidarity with us, gave us company, and consoled us," he said.

All through Tuesday, Siddaramaiah, who is down with unbearable grief, remained aloof and away from people. He chose to spend the entire day in solitude at his house.

The chief minister, who fell silent after the funeral on Monday, suddenly started his journey towards Bengaluru at night and reached his official residence, 'Kaveri', by midnight. On Tuesday, he remained inside his house and did not like to meet anyone. In the evening, minister, Dr H C Mahadevappa, was the only one who met him. Reportedly Mahadevappa advised the chief minister to open up and mingle with people to forget his grief.

Siddaramaiah also thanked H D Deve Gowda for conveying his condolences at the death of Rakeh.

On account of the death of Rakesh and bitter incident of atrocities on farmers participating in Mahadayi water dispute protests, home minister, Dr G Parameshwar, has decided not to celebrate his birthday falling on August 6. He has requested his followers not to release advertisements or hang banners, flexes etc to celebrate his birthday.