It's a low key affair at Shettar's house

Unlike Hubli, where the mood is upbeat over Jagadish Shettar’s elevation as chief minister, there was not  of an activity at his City residence.

Shettar, who has made a conscious effort to stay away from media glare, was seen holding hectic parleys with senior leaders all day long, even as scores of party workers, leaders, family members and well-wishers thronged his house to congratulate him.

Even his family maintained a low profile. “Please, I will speak to you all only after the swearing-in ceremony,” he told journalists.

Shettar’s only media indulgence was when he got his family together for a quick photo shoot.

He even refused to accept bouquets before the prying eyes of the camera. He politely asked his well-wishers to leave their token of love in his office.

Activity at his house began around 9.30 am when party leaders and legislators, especially from the Mumbai-Karnataka region, called on him in large numbers.

Shettar later stepped out of the house to pay a visit to Dharmendra Pradhan, in charge of BJP affairs in Karnataka, at the party office. He stopped over at senior BJP leader Ananth Kumar’s house, before returning to his house.

A team of leaders from Koppal, including Sanganna Karadi, Paranna Munavalli and Halappachar led by MP Shivaram Gouda held closed door meetings with Shettar, pitching for a Cabinet berth for at least one MLA from the district.

Later, he met former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa at the latter’s residence in Dollars’ Colony.


Sprucing up
Shettar, who is “non-superstitious” unlike his predecessors, is not making any renovations to his house Kaveri - his official government bungalow. The house is, however, getting spruced up.

DVS’ house

The house of Sadananda Gowda, Shettar’s neighbour, however wore a sombre look till evening. Gowda, who had for 11 months called the shots, had to make do with visits from only his loyal ministers and legislators. He did not hold any meetings, except one to transfer an IAS officer.

Swearing-in at Raj Bhavan

Sources said Shettar had chosen to be sworn in as chief minister at Raj Bhavan as he did not want a grand affair in the light of the drought situation. Preparations are, however, being made to host over 5,000 people from the North Karnataka districts at Gayatri Vihar, Palace Grounds.