When veteran cine artiste Shantamma came with a bouquet to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Janata Darshan in Bangalore on Tuesday, those present thought it was a courtesy call. But her appeal to the Chief Minister seeking help from his medical relief fund for the treatment of her son who is suffering from cancer surprised everyone.
Mr. Siddaramaiah assured her of all help and directed his officials to release money for the medical treatment. Following this, Ms. Shantamma became a little emotional and thanked the Chief Minister with tears in her eyes.
After this incident was telecast on television channels, several actors, including Dunia Vijay and Radhika, are learnt to have spoken to her offering help. But Ms. Shantamma refused their help. Later, she told The Hindu that she was not in need of money for a living. “I am living a contended life and have all that I need to live a decent life. I had gone to meet the Chief Minister to seek help from his relief fund for my son. He has sanctioned funds but my children are not happy with me for going to the Chief Minister for help,” she said.
Another senior citizen Usha, who lives in an old age home on Magadi Road here, wanted the Chief Minister to provide her with a bucket, clothes and medicine.
“I was forced to live in an old age home after the death of my husband and son. Although the staff is looking after me properly, they are unable to provide me a bucket, clothes and medicine,” she told the Chief Minister. Mr. Siddaramaiah directed the officials to take care of Ms. Usha’s requirements.
The appeal for a job from B. Shalini, a SSLC pass teenager from Siddaramanahundi, was also considered by the Chief Minister. Although she had come twice before and was assured of help, nothing had happened, she told the Chief Minister.
A group of farmers from Sira taluk in Tumkur district approached the Chief Minister, requesting him to regularise unauthorised cultivation of government land under the “Bagair Hukum” scheme.
Mr. Siddaramaiah told them that he would do everything possible, as per law.
The other appeals made to the Chief Minister included those for jobs on contract basis in the Vidhana Soudha.
Appeal for award
With Rajyotsava Day approaching, the Janata Darshan saw a few aspirants directly appealing to Mr. Siddaramaiah for the award.
Among those who submitted applications was Yogalingam from Shivajinagar who said he was a “keel kudre (hinged horse)” artiste.
“I have made several performances and am now living with a spinal problem. Kindly consider me for the award,” Mr. Yogalingam told the Chief Minister.
