State Cong is ready to face polls: CM

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, party supremo Sonia Gandhi’s recent visit to Gulbarga has boosted the morale of party workers and the State Congress is mentally prepared to face the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The CM was in Suttur, to participate in the valedictory function of the annual jatra mahotsava and to inaugurate a guest house, on Sunday. Speaking to media persons, at the helipad, he said, the next State Budget will be in favour of farmers and stresses on agriculture. “We will focus on agriculture, irrigation, basic amenities and industrial development. Several plans of the past Budget are also pending, will be implemented on priority,” he mentioned.

Speaking on the LS polls, the CM added that the screening committee will meet on February 6, to discuss the preparations for the election and finalise MP candidates.

The man-animal conflict and animals straying into cities is a cause for concern. A committee has been setup to address the problem and to devise a plan to curb increasing man-animal conflicts across the State, he said.

Attacking the Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi CM, he said Arvind Kejriwal is trying to cover up his sins by pointing at others on corruption. “To lead a good governance, we don’t need the advise from a most corrupt person,” Siddaramaiah said.

‘Cast away your caste’

Siddaramaiah, during the stage function, remarked that the caste system is rooted deep in the Indian society. Equality and principles are the mantra for a better society, but not caste, he added.

The CM, who diverted from the regular political speech, reminisced his childhood days, when he tried to study Sanskrit. He recalled: “I tried my level best to learn the language. But, it all went in vain. However, I learnt that Basavanna’s teaching are easy to understand and implement”.

He lauded the Suttur Mutt for reviving traditional desi games during the jatra. In olden days, farmers were occupied with a lot many activities and these (desi) games were the only source of entertainment.

“Of late, none of these games are played. Rather, people’s minds are preoccupied with wicked ideas on how to pull down a person, who is prospering,” the CM quipped.

He slammed former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa for issuing a statement against an alleged move to enact new laws for administering religious mutts in the State.

Looking at Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamy, he said: “Adella Yeddyurappanavara sullu prachara.

Neevu gabari madikollabedi (it is a false propaganda by Yeddyurappa, you need not worry about it)”.

Earlier, Siddaramaiah inaugurated Sri Ganalinga Shivayogi guest house. Revenue Minister V Sreenivas Prasad, PWD Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa, Cooperation Minister H S Mahadev Prasad and MP R Dhruvnarayana were present.