Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged the people of Varuna Assembly constituency to extend the same support to Yathindra Siddaramaiah, his son and MLC, that they had given him throughout his political career.

Speaking at the consecration ceremony of Sri Beereshwara Swamy Temple in Varakodu village in Varuna Assembly constituency on Friday (March 13), Mr. Siddaramaiah recalled that his political journey began with the taluk board elections in 1978 and that he had since experienced both victories and defeats.

Despite electoral wins and losses, he said, he had never wavered from his commitment to public service.

Stating that he would remain in politics “till his last breath” and serve the people for as long as possible, Mr. Siddaramaiah said he might not be able to visit the constituency frequently. However, he added that his son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, will take care of the constituency in his absence.

He assured that all development works proposed by Mr. Yathindra would receive his approval.

Mr. Siddaramaiah also recalled the 2006 by-elections, when voters in villages such as Kempegowdanahundi and Hosahundi had overwhelmingly backed him.

Without the support of the people of Varuna and Chamundeshwari constituencies, he said, he would not have had the opportunity to become Chief Minister twice, serve as Leader of the Opposition twice, or present the State Budget on 17 occasions.

‘God is omnipresent’

Recalling his participation in temple festivals during his younger days, Mr. Siddaramaiah said devotion to God must be pure and guided by humanity.

He said God is present not only inside temples but everywhere, and that prayers should include concern for the wellbeing of others.

“God accepts worship only when it is free from hatred towards others,” he said, adding that all religions preach love.

Mr. Siddaramaiah was accompanied by his son Yathindra and M.K. Somashekar, former MLA.