Saree distribution not a gimmick, claims CM

Talking to reporters upon his arrival at the airport here, he said the Bhagyalakshmi scheme was last year’s programme and the Government had decided long back to distribute sarees to the mothers of beneficiaries. There is no political gimmick, he clarified.

He said no one would be able to stop the programme being organised at Mandya. “I was born in Mandya district and have built a political career in Shimoga district. I am committed for progress and development of these two districts. No one should attach any significance to this distribution of sarees in Mandya,” he said in a broadside against the JD(S) leaders.

The Chief Minister arrived at the airport by chartered plane along with Home Minister R Ashok, Minister C C Patil, former minister Ramachandra Gowda. The CM and ministers then left to Mandya by road to attend the programme to distribute Bhagyalakshmi bonds.

Though the CM and team was scheduled to arrive in Mysore by helicopter, it is said that the plans had to be changed owing to bad weather conditions in Bangalore which made it impossible to fly helicopter. After the programme, CM returned to Mysore by afternoon and headed to North Karnataka.