Vidhana Soudha regains charm

Bangalore, Nov 12 (UNI) Vidhana Soudha, the seat of power in Karnataka, regained its splendour with the installation of the B S Yeddyurappa coalition government here today.

As the BJP formed its first government in the South, 'Vidhana Soudha', the state secretariat, was back to activity with thousands of people converging with their grievances.

A huge stage was erected in front of the imposing stone structure for the oath taking ceremony with Mr Yeddyurappa (64) taking charge of the administration along with four other BJP Ministers.

The state secretariat wore a deserted look since October 10 when the President's Rule was imposed in the state, following the fall of the coalition government led by H D Kumaraswamy.

Life was back as thousands of people swarmed around the secretariat to witness the ceremony. Giant cut-outs, buntings and saffron flags fluttered the entire Vidhana Soudha area.

People were happy as most of them preferred an elected government than 'Officers Raj,' which they felt was drab and without charm.

Mr Yeddyurappa, earlier in the day, visited several important temples in the city and performed 'puja' before reaching the venue for the oath-taking swearing-in ceremony.

The first BJP Chief Minister in the South also performed a 'yagna', seeking the blessing of the Almighty to complete his term.

UNI