JOIN US“ Had I skipped the Republic Day parade, it would have amounted to breaking the tradition,” said Yeddyurappa at Suttur Mutt. He stayed at the mutt for sometime before participating in a religious programme organised at the nearby Ganapathi Sachchidananda Ashram.
Although the Chief Minister and the Governor, who have been at odds, were expected to participate in three Republic Day-related events in Bangalore, only at the formal flag hoisting ceremony at the Manekshaw Grounds did they meet. Neither the Chief Minister nor his Cabinet colleagues attended the High Tea hosted by the Governor in the evening.
Replying to queries from the media, the Chief Minister refused to comment on his relation with the Governor as he has “due respect” for the Raj Bhavan. Yeddyurappa said that instead of commenting on the recent developments, he would rather prefer to concentrate on the forthcoming Budget. He was visiting Mysore to attend a programme in the ashram which was “unique,” as seers from different parts of the State were attending it.
Having said that, the Chief Minister could not resist taking a dig at his political rivals. “It has become a daily chore for members of the Opposition parties to demand my resignation.
There is no precedent in the past wherein a Chief Minister has stepped down from his seat facing charges. Moreover, I have God’s grace,” said Yeddyurappa. Further, the Chief Minister said he would convene an all party meeting before presenting the Budget and members of all the parties are welcome to air their views and debate on various issues.