CM to open meet

Addressing mediapersons K P Nanjundi, president, Karnataka State Vishwakarma Association said that about a lakh of Vishwakarmas from across the state are expected to congregate in the rally. The Chief Minister would open the meet and former prime minister and JD (S) supremo H D Devegowda would preside.

AICC general secretary Oscar Fernandes, ministers R Ashoka, Jagadish Shettar and V S Acharya, opposition leader Siddaramaiah, KPCC president G Parameshwar would also participate in the programme.

A silver idol of Vishwakarma weighing about  250 kilo would be carried in a palanquin in a colourful procession. The procession will start from north gate of Mysore palace and conclude at Maharaja college grounds, he said.

The state-level conference would discuss various demands of the community. “The rally would pass a resolution urging the government to fulfill the demands of Vishwakarmas.

Vishwarmas are the second largest backward community after Kurubas. The facilities extended to the community is not enough,” he said. The rally would pass a five-point resolution which includes raising the quota limit for Vishwakarmas under OBC and establishing a Authority for the development of each of the five major professions the community.