Siddaramaiah returns to Varuna for first time after stepping down as CM

Mysuru, Oct 5 (UNI) Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday visited his home turf Varuna constituency in Mysuru district for the first time after stepping down from the Chief Minister's post, amid growing interest over the political significance of his visit.

Siddaramaiah visited Dasanuru village around 1130 hours, where he inaugurated a Morarji Desai residential school and launched several development works in the constituency. His son and Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah accompanied him during the visit.

Siddaramaiah has already announced that he would not contest the next Assembly elections, fuelling speculation that Yathindra could seek re-election from Varuna. Yathindra has in recent months been visiting villages across the constituency and interacting with people to hear their grievances. The former Chief Minister's return to Varuna assumes significance as it comes roughly one-and-a-half years ahead of the next Assembly elections and at a time when political activity is beginning to gather pace.

Siddaramaiah has been in Mysuru for the past two days. He had also attended a programme involving the newly appointed Congress district president and party workers on Sunday. His visit has also drawn attention to the absence of senior Congress leader and former minister H.C. Mahadevappa, considered one of Siddaramaiah's close associates in Mysuru. Former minister K. Venkatesh was seen with Siddaramaiah at Sunday's programme. Siddaramaiah is expected to interact with local people during the Varuna visit before returning to Bengaluru in the evening.

UNI BDN