The Hindu : Karnataka News : Siddaramaiah leaves supporters guessing

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Tuesday, Jan 06, 2009
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Siddaramaiah leaves supporters guessing

Khadi, the traditional hand spun fabric, is most sought after among Indian politicians. It had been an inseparable entity in the life of the ‘netas’. The former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has been making news following speculations over the launch of a new regional party, is normally seen in trademark khadi outfit comprising kurta, panche and a towel (on the shoulder). There was a big surprise for his supporters when Siddaramaiah returned to Mysore celebrating the New Year in the God’s Own Country – Kerala. He was sporting an altogether different look. Instead of the usual attire, Siddaramaiah was wearing a full armed shirt and a pair of dark trousers.

To add zing to the look, he was wearing sunglasses. One of his aides who became ecstatic seeing his leader in the new look, told him: “Anna, Nimma Dressu Thumba Chennagi Ede (Sir, your new outfit is very nice). “Notwithstanding, many of his supporters, who had never seen him other than in his usual khadi attire, could not understand why their leader had a changed look, that too on the second day of New Year. People who came in large numbers to extend New Year greetings to him, were found discussing among themselves on the new look of their leader. Some of them mustered enough courage to ask Mr. Siddaramaiah the reason behind his new look. They, perhaps, wanted to know whether his new look is just for a day or will it be permanent. Siddaramaiah, whose political move is being closely watched by all political parties, including the Congress did not reply to them and boarded his Tata Safari, waving at the supporters. His followers returned guessing reasons behind the former Deputy Chief Minister’s “changed” look. Can it be viewed as a prelude to possible “change” in his political future? Over to Siddaramaiah.

Shankar Bennur

Fortunate ‘babu’

Overwhelmed by the success achieved in the bypoll held for eight Assembly segments and at the same time criticism faced from the people on the slow progress of “development” works during the course of campaign, Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa gave his piece of his mind to his Cabinet colleagues and ‘babus’ during video conference on Friday.

An enraged Chief Minister took Deputy Commissioners, Chief Executive Officers of zilla panchayats and Superintendents of Police of various districts to task. He did not even spare the District in-charge Ministers over the alleged slow pace of work.

However, some IAS officers escaped from the wrath of Chief Minister. One among them is the Mysore Deputy Commissioner P. Manivannan. When his turn came, he did his job to near perfection. He was quick and accurate while presenting the report card of the district.

Having heard his report card, the Chief Minister just said “Next district”. Those who witnessed the Chief Minister reprimanding the district heads were really surprised and Mysore was the only district he spared. One scribe sought to know from Mr. Manivannan whether the Chief Minister was tired of listening to excuses from the district heads by the time his turn came or whether the Mysore district administration was flawless, Mr Manivannan found it difficult to answer and looked puzzled. But smile on the face of Mr. Manivannan meant a lot. He simply confessed to the scribe: “Lucky! We have our own share of issues”

Post script: It is said that Mr. Manivannan is the only Deputy Commissioner who wished the Chief Minister on the New Year eve.

Muralidhara Khajane

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