Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Becomes First Chief Minister To Offer Customary Bagina At KRS Dam

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar recently offered the traditional 'bagina' at the KRS reservoir, showcasing their unity. This event marked a significant moment as Siddaramaiah became the first CM to perform this ritual in June, a rare occurrence in the 93-year history of the Krishna Raja Sagara dam.

Before the ceremony in Mandya, Siddaramaiah addressed the media, holding hands with Shivakumar to emphasize their solidarity. He stated, "There is no disagreement between us; Congress leadership remains united." He also responded to criticism from Sriramulu by challenging him to reflect on his electoral defeats before commenting on others.

Political Unity and Criticism

Siddaramaiah dismissed claims of discord within the government, asserting that any attempts to create rifts would fail. He emphasized that both he and Shivakumar are working harmoniously for a stable five-year term. This public display of unity was a direct response to opposition allegations of internal conflicts.

The Chief Minister also addressed BJP's accusations, stating they are known for spreading falsehoods. He confirmed his role in inaugurating Dasara festivities, countering any media speculation otherwise. Additionally, Randeep Singh Surjewala's role as Congress in-charge was clarified as one focused on organizational advice and listening to legislators' concerns.

Educational Policies and Health Concerns

Discussing education policies, Siddaramaiah reiterated support for bilingual education, a stance Karnataka has consistently maintained. The commitment to providing education in bilingual regions remains strong. On health matters, he promised an investigation into the rise of heart attacks in Hassan, seeking expert insights for effective control measures.

The bagina offering was conducted amidst Vedic chants led by Vedic scholar Bhanuprakash Sharma. Alongside Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were ministers K. Cheluvarayaswamy, H.C. Mahadevappa, Satish Jarkiholi, Bosaraju, Narayanagowda, Venkatesh, and several legislators who attended the ceremony.