Taking out processions, organising blood donation camps, photo exhibitions and distribution of fruits to patients marked the 16th death anniversary of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
At a function organised at the KPCC office in Bangalore, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly N Dharam Singh paid floral tributes to the portrait of Rajiv Gandhi.
Congress leader Dharam Singh flagged off the Rajiv Gandhi Jyoti Yaatra at Seshadripuram where a statue of  Rajiv Gandhi has been installed. The procession culminated in a blood donation camp at the District Congress Committee office.
Speaking to reporters after flagging off the the Yaatra,  Mr Singh refuted the allegations that senior leader Siddaramaiah is being neglected in the Congress party. “The canards are being spread with a view to cause schism in the party. Did we not work unitedly to get Mr Siddaramaiah elected in the Chamundeshwari Constituency?” Mr Singh asked.
Asserting that there was no question of neglecting Mr Siddaramaiah, Mr Singh however clarified that the responsibility of giving him a suitable post rested with the high command.
Meanwhile the Karnataka Rajiv Gandhi Auto Drivers’ Forum took out a big procession of autos from Chamarajpet Idgah Maidan to Town Hall to mark the occasion. The procession was accompanied by dollu kunitha, veeragase, bhajans, etc.