Puttur: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and a few other ministers offered special puja to Lord Manjunatha at Dharmasthala on Saturday.
Later, speaking to reporters, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar said that due to the Lord’s blessings, the state had begun witnessing good rains, and he hoped they would continue to lash across the state. He added that he prayed for peace and prosperity for the state.
Shivakumar also said that Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala, Dr. Veerendra Hegde, acknowledged the positive impact of the “Shakti Scheme” (free rides for women on state transportation buses). He stated that the scheme had significantly increased the flow of devotees to the holy place.
He further commented that people, especially women, were happy with the five guarantees implemented by the state government. He concluded by saying that the government had earned the blessings of the women.
VIP Visit Disrupts Darshan
However, the normal darshan for devotees was halted for more than an hour due to the VVIP visit, causing anger among some devotees. The CM, DCM, and ministers were offered a traditional welcome upon their arrival at the temple. They later had a brief conversation with the Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala.
