CM, dy CM offer prayer to Kabini river amid rift buzz

Chief minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar on Sunday stood side by side to offer “baagina” to the Kabini river, a ceremonial act usually associated with harmony and gratitude, in Mysuru.

- Arun Dev

However, the allegations of a deepening rift between the two ‘once again was pointed out and the opposition seized the opportunity to attack both the leaders.

This came just a day after Siddaramaiah’s omission of Shivakumar’s name at the Congress's Sadhana Samavesha in Mysuru reignited questions about the uneasy truce between the state's top two leaders. Although Shivakumar had addressed the gathering and left for Delhi before Siddaramaiah’s speech, the CM's decision not to acknowledge him on stage raised eyebrows across political circles.

When a party functionary, along with actor Sadhu Kokila, reportedly reminded Siddaramaiah of the oversight, the CM said: “DK Shivakumar is not on the stage. He left for Bengaluru to attend another event. That's why I didn’t take his name. We only show respect and acknowledge those who are on the stage and not those who have left or are sitting at home. As an advocate you should understand this.”