Congress bigwigs blow poll bugle in Sandur

NT Correspondent Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and their ministerial colleagues hit the campaign trail in poll-bound Sandur taluk in Ballari district on Monday. Housing Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan, Labour Minister Santosh Lad, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, MLA Latha Mallikarjun, and others attended the ‘Sadhana Samavesha’ public meeting on the occasion. The party’s top leadership in the state heaped praise on Congress MP from Ballari E Tukaram who is also the former Sandur MLA. They pointed out that Tukaram had ensured Rs 1,200 crore was released to Sandur in more than a year, in addition to him and Lad sanctioning building of 1,200 houses for the underprivileged in the constituency. Tukaram, who comes from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) Valmiki community, was convinced by the party leadership from the Ballari Lok Sabha segment.

In return, he was promised that if he loses, he’d be granted a ministerial position in the state Cabinet and if he won his daughter Chaitanya would be granted the ticket for the Sandur by-poll. Now, Tukaram expects Congress to keep their word since he won from Ballari and vacated the Sandur seat back in June, necessitating a by-election. The by-poll dates for Sandur haven’t been announced yet. Two other Assembly seats namely Shiggaon and Channapatna are also expected to go to polls simultaneously.

“Since becoming the (Sandur) MLA, Tukaram has brought Rs 1,200 crore in funds to Sandur. Tukaram means development, and development means Tukaram,” Siddaramaiah said. The CM inaugurated several projects and laid the foundation for new ones. He also dedicated completed projects worth over Rs 400 crore to the people of Sandur. He also praised Lad in addition to Tukaram. “Their efforts have made a significant difference in Sandur,” the CM said.

Praise for Tukaram; Siddaramaiah also acknowledged Tukaram’s willingness to contest from Ballari and asked voters to cast their ballot for Congress again. “Tukaram contested the Lok Sabha elections because he valued the party's decision. He deeply cares for the people of Sandur. Leaders like him are rare. I urge you to bless the Congress candidate in the by-election and continue your support,” he said. Shivakumar also praised Tukaram for ensuring a 200-bed hospital. “Tukaram has brought more funds to Sandur in the past year than I did to Kanakapura (Shivakumar’s constituency). He is trying to pay off the trust you reposed in him. Also, an administrative building is being constructed at a cost of Rs 30 crore,” he said.

‘Bagina’ offered at Narihalli

CMSiddaramaiah, Shivakumar and their Cabinet offered ‘Bagina’ at Narihalli reservoir, which is located in Sandur taluk. Siddaramaiah became the second CM after Devaraj Urs to offer ‘Bagina’ at Narihalli. Bagina is offered to a river or a tributary and a deity associated with it when a dam is full. The ritual was instituted by former Devaraj Urs in 1979. The Bagina usually includes offerings such as bamboo, turmeric, vermillion, coconut and others.