The thundershowers, which were feared to play a spoilsport at H.D. Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, failed to deter the enthusiastic supporters of JD(S), BSP, and Congress.
A largely JD(S) crowd that cheered on Mr. Kumaraswamy interpreted the rain to be a positive sign of “good times” ahead for farmers of the State as their leader has become the Chief Minister. The crowd did not have many Congress supporters.
The heavy rain, which lashed the city on Wednesday afternoon, even pushed the government to consider shifting the swearing-in ceremony indoors. The venue, however, was not changed as the rain stopped.
Minutes before Mr. Kumaraswamy and Governor Vajubhai R. Vala came on to the stage, the rain started again, forcing the supporters who had gathered on Dr. Ambedkar Veedhi to use chairs and banners to protect themselves. Several JD(S) workers had turned up with “JDS” painted on their face and were waving the party flag. Some women came to the venue carrying haystacks on their head. “We are happy that Mr. Kumaraswamy has again become the Chief Minister and this will improve the lives of farmers,” Gangamma, who came from Vemagal, said.
Congress workers from Tumakuru district cheered on as their leader G. Parameshwara took oath as Deputy Chief Minister. Narayanaswamy, one such supporter from Koratagere — Dr. Parameshwara’s constituency, had mixed feelings of the development. “He should have been rightfully the Chief Minister of this government. But we are happy that his services are at least recognised now,” he said.
The swearing-in ceremony, though got over in 10 minutes, threw traffic haywire during the peak evening hours.
