'Please, don't put flowers on me': Karnataka CM-designate D K Shivakumar appeals for restraint at celebrations, cites allergy to garlands

Acknowledging the enthusiasm among party workers after his elevation to the top post, D K Shivakumar told reporters here that arrangements would remain restricted and urged supporters to cooperate.

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister-designate D K Shivakumar on Sunday appealed to supporters to avoid crowding around him during celebrations and requested them not to present him with flower garlands, citing an allergy.

Ahead of his swearing-in ceremony on June 3 at the Lok Bhavan, he asked party workers to exercise restraint.

Acknowledging the enthusiasm among party workers after his elevation to the top post, Shivakumar told reporters here that arrangements would remain restricted and urged supporters to cooperate.

“I request our party workers—I understand all your enthusiasm, but I have to keep things limited. Even if you come and watch from outside, I do not mind,” he said.

Shivakumar made a special appeal to supporters not to honour him with flower garlands, saying they trigger an allergic reaction.

“Please, no one should put flower garlands on me. I have an allergy and will not accept them. I have banned flower garlands,” he said.

When told that celebrations were taking place across Karnataka, Shivakumar said party workers were justified in rejoicing at the development.

“Let them celebrate; party workers should celebrate. It is not just me who is becoming CM today, but a party worker. A worker of the party is becoming the chief minister,” he said.

Recalling his long association with the Congress, Shivakumar said his rise reflected the aspirations of ordinary party workers.

“Since 1979–80, I have been in the party, having joined as a student leader and rising step by step from school and college days. Everyone may be happy about that. I have never said they should not be. A worker, as one of the people, is becoming CM,” he added.