Narayana Swamy - Bangalore

Bangalore, Sep 17 : If a common man goes abroad, it's no news at all, but when the head of the state goes on an official foreign trip, then it's field for the media as well as the political pundits. Right from what he wears to what he eats and where he sleeps, every action becomes a headline!

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah's trip to China was no different. When he embarked on his first foreign trip since becoming CM, he attracted all the media glare. The opposition leader who looked helpless and frustrated on losing an important byelection, lamented that when arecanet growers were facing problems all over the state, the CM was going on a foreign trip.

But when the CM came back from the trip he had many positive news for the people of the state, as several investors from China and other countries had shown keen interest in investing in the state.

On Monday, Siddu looked jovial and relaxed after his China trip. He shared some interesting experiences with us in Bangalore.

"Oh, looks like suit-boot does not suit me; it's not comfortable, though some people told me I look handsome in it. I feel my dhoti, shirt and shawl suit me the best."

When asked how he managed food in China he said, "We did not face any problem; we stayed at Shangrila Group of Hotels, where a chef named Jeffery took good care of us. He hails from Karnataka and was in Bangalore for many years. He was happy to serve his state's CM and other guests. He prepared delicious chicken for us... I don't know whether it was country chicken or foreign one, I think it was China chicken!" evoking bursts of laughter.

The CM was full of praise for Chinese roads. "I was surprised that there wasn't a single pothole on the road! The roads are so nice and neat; I tired a lot to find potholes, but did not find any." When one of the journalists told him that it's because the Chinese government is strong that its roads are better, Siddu replied, "Our government is stronger than theirs, but we should work with a clear vision. Committed work can bring pothole-free roads in Karnataka too," he said

When asked if he tasted China tea there, he replied, "I do not drink coffee or tea.

"Then you must have tasted China beer," a journalist quipped, for which Siddu replied, "No, no, I drank only water in China."

On the whole, the CM was all smiles and full of enthusiasm, impressed with China. Speaking on the development projects in China,  an inspired Siddu said, "We should also follow the same approach, we must make Karnataka number one in the world."