The much-touted Global Investors' Meet (GIM) may have whetted the financial appetite of investors from across the globe but it was a different reality when it came to satiating the real thing at the venue on the inaugural day on Thursday.
Lunch hour saw unusually long queues and a large number of delegates, including officials, had a tough time. While some struggled to get plates, others were forced to stand for wait for long for dessert.
Though there were separate arrangements for VIPs, officials, visiting delegates and businesspersons, many a well-nourished stomach went unfilled thanks to the winding queues.
And, oh, there were queues before the bathrooms too.
Eh, what?
The sound system was not up to the mark and journalists as well as a large section of the delegates were unable to clearly hear the dignitaries' speeches during the inauguration. The journalists' frustration increased when many had no place to sit, and were forced to take their notes standing.
Plenty to see
A large number of people visited the various stalls at the exhibition centre. Transport Minister R. Ashok visited the KSRTC's stall to check if everything was in place. Several government departments, banks, small companies, industrial associations and consulting agencies had set up shop. A popular destination was the one put up by Toyota. Many visitors giving the automotive giant's new Etios a once-over.
Cabinet present
Almost entire State Cabinet headed by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa attended the inaugural event.
Ministers V.S. Acharya, S. Suresh Kumar, C.M. Udasi, B.N. Bache Gowda, Basavaraj Bommai, Visveshwara Hegde Kageri, M.P. Renukacharya, Govinda Karjol, Mumtaz Ali Khan, Revu Naik Belamagi, Gulihatti D. Shekher were right on the dais while R. Ashok, Katta Subramanaya Naidu, G. Janardhana Reddy, Venkaramanappa and Murgesh Nirani were seated along with dignitaries and industrialists.
No Siddaramaiah
Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah did not attend the inaugural function.
