Defying a long-held superstitious belief that any political leader stepping into Chamarajanagar would lose his post, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday visited the town to launch projects worth Rs. 1,000 crore. There was a large turnout at the Chief Minister’s programme.
Speaking after the inauguration, he said such beliefs were hindering society’s progress. “I do not subscribe to any superstitious belief,” said Mr. Siddaramaiah. It was sheer coincidence that some of the Chief Ministers lost power after visiting Chamarajanagar town, he added.
Mr. Siddarmaiah is the first Chief Minister, in recent years, to visit the town within months of assuming office. He launched ‘Manaswini’ scheme here, which facilitates a monthly benefit of Rs. 500 to unmarried, divorced or deserted women from BPL families, and initiated ‘Mythri’ scheme for the benefit of sexuality minorities.
Mr. Siddaramaiah said that politicians and aspirants for power visited Chamarajanagar during the elections, but hesitated to come here later because of their superstitious beliefs.
Describing Chamarajanagar as a land replete with folklore traditions, the Chief Minister said the stigma attached to Chamarajanagar had been exorcised after his visit.
Mr. Siddaramaiah said Chamarajanagar had been identified as a priority district by his government and it would strive for the district’s all-round development and progress.
Later, the Chief Minister unveiled the statue of B.R. Ambedkar outside the district office complex here.
