CM recalls assassination bid on Rajiv Gandhi in city

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday lamented that there was an assassination bid on  former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi on May 11, 1991, in the city, just 10 days before he fell victim to a human bomb at Sri Perambadur in Tamil Nadu.

Speaking after participating in the Anti-Terrorism Day organised at City Congress office here, Siddaramaiah said, Rajiv Gandhi had arrived in the city that day to participate in a party programme. It was at that time, an elderly woman came in the middle of the convoy of the former prime minister on Lalitha Mahal road. Owing to the sudden stopping of Rajiv Gandhi’s vehicle, the vehicles coming behind consisting of then mayor Vasu and State minister Azeez Sait had dashed against each other. However, it was due to the alacrity shown by the special protection group (SPG) of Rajiv Gandhi, a possible assassination attempt was averted. The SPG men had succeeded in pulling the vehicle off, resuming the movement.
Siddaramaiah lauded Rajiv Gandhi as the man behind communication revolution, who brought various technologies to India.

New premises?

Siddaramaiah also said that the City Congress office will be shifted into a new premises. Though it may not happen in the immediate future, it is sure to happen as a site has been earmarked for the purpose. The reason behind this is the location of the office on the first floor of the heritage Devaraja Market building on Sayyaji Rao road. The building that dates back to the period of rule of erstwhile Wadiyar’s is crumbling at places. That is the reason why the police on Tuesday restricted the entry of Congress workers to 50 numbers during the CM’s visit.