As many as 620 applications seeking assistance were received at the Janata Darshan programme of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday.

Differently-abled people, senior citizens, freedom fighters, women and unemployed youth stood in a long queue from early in the morning to meet the chief minister. Siddaramaiah, however, was late by one hour to the programme that was scheduled to begin at 9 am at his home office Krishna. A majority of the applications were related to medical assistance.

Many youth, including differently-abled, submitted applications seeking jobs. Some wanted government jobs, while others said they were ready to start their own business provided the government extends financial assistance.

A differently-abled youth from Chitradurga told the chief minister that he cannot get married unless he gets a government job. “Girls are refusing to marry me as I am unemployed. I can get married only if I have a government job. Please give me a job,” the youth said.

The chief minister reacted asking him in a lighter vein whether he was particular about getting married. He further said he cannot immediately get him a government job and advised him to meet the officials of the Backward Classes Development Department in Chitradugra and seek assistance under a self-employment programme.

Notice to media

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that he has directed the officials to issue a notice to media organisations over a controversy that he was wearing shoe at the time of offering pooja to goddess Chamundeshwari during Dasara procession.

The chief minister lost his cool when reporters sought his reaction on the controversy. “Media should not do irresponsible reporting. I have common sense of behaviour. Despite issuing a clarification, a section of media is trying to make an issue of it. They appear to have vested interests,” he stated.

He said that he has high regard for traditions and goddess Chamundeshwari. “I have never hurt any religion’s sentiments and won’t do so in future,” he added.