In what could be seen as the effect of the code of conduct that came into force in Karnataka on Tuesday following announcement of date for Assembly polls by the Election Commission of India (ECI), Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had to return without inaugurating the mega dairy constructed at Nandi Cross at the foothills of Nandi Hills in Chickballapur district.
The date was fixed for the inauguration of the dream project of the Kolar-Chickballapur Cooperative Milk Union Ltd (Kochimul) on Tuesday after several hiccups earlier. However, the long awaited event failed to materialise.
As per schedule, Mr. Siddaramaiah, accompanied by several of his Cabinet colleagues including Home Minister and Chickballapur in-charge K. Ramalinga Reddy arrived at the dairy plot only to return to Bengaluru without formally inaugurating it following the ECI’s announcement.
Reacts to DC’s advice
Chickballapur Deputy Commissioner Deepthi Kanade reminded the Chief Minister about the code of conduct when they were proceeding to the site.
Reacting to it, Mr. Siddaramaiah tapped Ms. Kanade’s had in a lighter vein and jovially said: “Neeti samhite bagge hedara bedamma” (“Don’t worry about the code of conduct”). “Anyway I have come here. I will take lunch and return”, he said, triggering laughter.
Though the legal compulsions prevented him from declare opening South India’s largest milk dairy, Mr. Siddaramaiah went around the plant to inspect the facilities and the advanced machinery installed for the processing of milk, packaging and producing several value-added milk products.
Returns by private vehicle
Mr. Siddaramaiah and other Ministers who came by government cars from Bengaluru, had to return by private vehicles as the conduct was enforced with immediate effect. The authorities concerned took the government vehicles into their custody in view of ECI guidelines.
Disappointed, but…
Except for the formal inauguration by the Chief Minister, all other formalities were completed, Kochimul president N.G. Byatappa said. “All activities related to the inauguration were completed before Mr. Siddaramaiah’s arrival. Only the formal function was not held”, he told The Hindu .
A large number of dairy farmers and public were disappointed and went away after partaking food, he said.
