AMID JUBILATION: Former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah being greeted by Congress workers at Toll Gate in Mysore on Friday. — PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

MYSORE: Former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who arrived in Mysore on Friday for the first time after joining the Congress, was accorded a rousing reception by party workers and supporters.

Thousands of people gathered at the Toll Gate on the outskirts of the city to welcome Mr. Siddaramaiah. The large gathering of people at the Toll Gate and vantage locations along the route to the office of the Congress in the city threw traffic out of gear, putting motorists to hardship. Former Minister Tanvir Sait received Mr. Siddaramaiah on his arrival. He gave him a bouquet and the Congress party's flag amidst bursting of crackers.

In attendance

Leaders from the Congress and All India Progressive Janata Dal (AIPJD) jostled to shake hands with him. Former Mayors B.K. Prakash and Modamani, both from the Congress, former Mayors Ananthu, Dhruva Kumar Maniraju and Arif Hussain, all from AIPJD and MLA M.K. Somashekar were present at the Toll Gate.

On his arrival at the party office, Mr Siddaramaiah was received by former Minister H. Vishwanath and president of Mysore City (District) Congress Committee D. Made Gowda. Former Minister M. Shivanna was present. Mr. Siddaramaiah told presspersons later that he would seek re-election to the Assembly from Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency. "My aim is to topple the Janata Dal (Secular)-BJP Government in the State, which does not have the mandate of the people," the former Deputy Chief Minister said.

Mr. Siddaramaiah lashed out at Janata Dal (Secular) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda for compromising with the party's principles to anoint his son as the Chief Minister with the support of "communal" BJP.

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