Arch political rivals Kumaraswamy, Shivakumar share dais

Bangalore, Aug 30 (UNI) Keeping aside their political differences, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress Leader D K Shivakumar MLA today shared the dais at a function held to launch various development works at Satanur town in the newly formed Ramanagaram district.

Additional Director General of Police Shankar Bidri told UNI that no untoward incidents were reported despite the presence of large number of people in the town.

As a precautionary measure, the police detained 25 people belonging to both Janata Dal(S) and the Congress, who were released later, he added.

To maintain law and order in this politically sensitive constitutency, nearly 5000 policemen were deployed.

While Mr Shivakumar represented Satanur in the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister was elected from the neighbouring Ramanagaram town.

Mr Kumaraswamy and Mr Shivakumar had been involved in bitter political rivalry and criticised each other by issuing press statements.

Except some supporters of both the leaders shouting slogans, the situation, however, remained under control and the function went off peacefully.

Anticipating trouble between Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) workers, most of the shops and business establishments remained closed in Satanur town.

UNI